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AIR CANADA UNVEILS
BOEING 767 IN UNIQUE ABORIGINAL MOTIF LIVERY
Toronto, May 10, 2001 - Air Canada today unveiled a uniquely painted Boeing 767-300 aircraft designed to help build awareness of Aboriginal tourism. The unique livery, entitled 'Free Spirit', is dominated by the image of a majestic eagle in green and gold on the fuselage.
Air Canada undertook the project to highlight the growing importance of Aboriginal tourism, including all tourism businesses that are owned or operated b First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people, together with an industry-government group called Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada (ATTC) and the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).
"Today, we are unveiling an aircraft which is both a work of art and a powerful message in support of Aboriginal tourism," said Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our association with groups like the ATTC, the CTC and Aboriginal groups is an ongoing way of development of this sector. More importantly, it is indicative of Air Canada's underlying commitment to reflect the diversity of the country and people it serves."
Air Canada, the ATTC and the CTC called on the talents of Arnold Aron Jacobs, an Iroquois artist from the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, to transform the airline's Boeing 767 into an eagle. Arnold Jacobs' eagle, which is 120 feet long by 12 feet high, was painted onto the aircraft by Air Canada Technical Services staff.
First Nations Elders, participating in a specially organized Elders Circle, came to the consensus that the image on the aircraft would be clearly Aboriginal, dignified and recognized as Canadian. Arnold Jacobs' design was selected among 32 submissions from Aboriginal artists by a national selection committee composed of representatives from all major national Aboriginal organizations.
"This striking work of art will help create awareness about Aboriginal tourism in Canada while showcasing some of the rich and beautiful images that exist within our cultures," said Constance Jamieson, ATTC Chair. "ATTC is proud to be part of this partnership and believes that this design reflects the pride, dignity and spirit of the Aboriginal People in Canada, as envisioned by our Elders."
"Canada's Aboriginal culture and traditions are an important part of what we have to offer as an international tourism destination," said Murray Jackson, Executive Director of the Canadian Tourism Commission. "For this reason, the Canadian Tourism Commission is pleased to be a partner with Air Canada and Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada in this project to promote Aboriginal tourism through the painting of an aircraft with Aboriginal symbols. This flying billboard is sure to be noticed wherever it goes."
The aircraft is scheduled to fly on Air Canada's domestic and international network.
| Contacts: | Nicole Couture (Montreal) Laura Cooke (Toronto) Angela Mah (Vancouver) |
(514) 422-5788 (416) 263-5576 (604) 643-5660 |
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