Opening of the New U.S. Departures Area: Montreal-Trudeau Airport Well Positioned to Benefit From Upturn in Passenger Traffic

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 17, 2009) -

Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwire.

With the opening of the new U.S. departures area at Montreal-Trudeau Airport scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, Aeroports de Montreal (ADM) is confident that it is well positioned to benefit from the potential upturn in passenger traffic.

"Besides boosting departure capacity for United States-bound flights, this new facility simplifies passengers' route through the terminal. In addition, redevelopment of the former U.S. departures area will allow us to progressively add departure capacity for international and domestic flights in the existing central terminal building," says ADM President and CEO James Cherry.

"We will emerge from the current recession not only with an entirely modernized and expanded airport terminal," he adds, "but also with all of our main carriers active, and boasting solid air routes. We are well positioned to seize any future growth opportunities."

The new U.S. departures area, the last major step in the airport's transformation, is adjacent to the transborder jetty. Once passengers complete their pre-flight formalities, they will directly access the centre of the jetty after passing through the duty-free shop. The walking distance to the boarding gates has been significantly reduced.

With a floor area of more than 18,000 square metres, the departures hall is equipped with 58 traditional check-in counter stations and 48 self-serve check-in kiosks, which represents 50% greater capacity.

In accordance with the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, the pre-boarding security checkpoint is now located before the pre-customs clearance area. This means passengers will no longer have any checked luggage with them when they proceed to pre-customs clearance. They must leave their bags-after having them checked, tagged and weighed-at one of the six drop stations.

The new baggage handling system, located on the lower level of the new departures area, is one of the most sophisticated in the world. All bags are photographed and inspected automatically, and a state-of-the-art system allows U.S. Customs officers to recall bags for secondary inspection if necessary.

Vehicle access is via an elevated ramp extending west of the existing drop-off lane for departing passengers. The new building's all-glass facade features five entrances (doors 7 to 11), and the entire length of the drop-off zone is protected by a canopy. In addition, a glassed-in pedestrian walkway connects directly to the multi-level parking facility.

Approximately 1.5 million departing passengers are expected to use the new area each year. Passengers arriving from the United States will continue to follow the same route through the terminal as they use today.

In addition, a new hotel, built above the new U.S. departures area, will be opening its doors shortly. Run by the Marriott chain, it features 275 superior-quality rooms and a full range of amenities.

The building also houses an underground parking lot with 500 spaces on three levels, and has room for the future rail-shuttle station as well as ADM administrative offices.

Aeroports de Montreal is the local airport authority responsible for the management, operation and development of Montreal-Trudeau and Montreal-Mirabel international airports since 1992. The Corporation employs a total of 600 people at both airports and at head office.

For more information about Aeroports de Montreal and its operations, please visit our website at www.admtl.com.