Montréal, June 25, 2015 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is delighted at Air Canada’s announcement today of a new air link between Montréal and Lyon. Starting on June 16, 2016, members of the business community will be able to take advantage of up to five flights per week to one of Europe’s most dynamic business destinations.
“This is excellent news for the city’s business community. The Rhône-Alpes region is the second-largest region in France in terms of GDP, and the fifth largest in the European Union. And Lyon offers companies a highly advantageous business environment. Around 15,000 new companies are created each year in Greater Lyon, and close to 150 global leaders—in such diverse sectors as digital technology, life sciences, clean technology, and transportation—have chosen to set up shop in the region,” stated Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
“This year-round air service strengthens Montréal’s position as an air transportation hub between North America and Europe. Our companies will be able to take advantage of the only year-round route between Lyon and North America. This is an important addition in anticipation of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union,” continued Michel Leblanc.
“The Board of Trade also happens to be organizing a trade mission to Lyon, which will take place from November 30 to December 3, 2015. This will be an excellent opportunity for the city’s businesses to meet important economic stakeholders, and to develop partnerships. We are inviting all companies seeking to develop their business in France and in Europe to sign up,” added Michel Leblanc.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is a member of a joint task force on direct air links, along with Aéroports de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, and Montréal International. This group was established in November 2014 as part of the i see mtl event. “We have committed ourselves to developing strategies and increasing actions to attract a greater number of direct air links to Montréal, and to maintain existing ones. Today’s announcement, just a few weeks after the announcement of the Montréal-Beijing link, shows that we can succeed. Bravo to Air Canada for this new direct route to Europe,” concluded Michel Leblanc.
For more information on the trade mission to Lyon,
click here.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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