CALGARY, June 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The first Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 705 in commercial service, operated by Air Canada Jazz, departed from Calgary to Houston today. Air Canada Jazz is the world's first operator of the 75- seat, Canadian-made aircraft.

"We are delighted to have the first CRJ-705 in the fleet link North America's two vibrant oil patch centers, Calgary and Houston, giving business travellers between both cities more choice with increased flights and more convenient departure times," said Ben Smith, Vice President, Network Planning. "The addition of these jet aircraft to the Air Canada Jazz fleet will allow us to significantly enhance our customers' travel experience, offering superior comfort and choice in non-stop markets served."

Effective July 1, Calgary-Houston flights will increase to three daily, offering business travellers in either city a choice of morning, mid-day or evening flights timed for convenient connections to and from Air Canada's worldwide network. Flights will depart Calgary at 07:45, 12:15, and 18:15, and will depart Houston at 07:40, 13:25 and 17:55.

Jazz took delivery of its first CRJ-705 aircraft, operating today as AC8102, in a ceremony held at Bombardier's facility in Montreal on May 27 and will be taking delivery of up to three new CRJ-705 aircraft per month for a total of 15 by December 2005. The CRJ-705 aircraft is configured in two classes of service with 10 seats in Executive Class featuring three abreast seating offering 37 inches of legroom, and 65 seats in Hospitality with four abreast seating offering an industry leading 34 inches of legroom. Both cabins feature all leather seating, and in-seat audio and personal television systems will be installed beginning in the fall of 2005. The Bombardier CRJ-705 aircraft has a cruising speed of 880 km/h and a range of more than 3,500 km with a total payload of 7,778 kg including a cargo payload of 700 kg.

From Calgary, Air Canada offers 671 scheduled flights each week to 5 cities throughout Alberta, and 18 destinations across Canada, the USA, Caribbean and Europe.