MONTREAL — Following its inaugural nonstop flight from Toronto to Doha yesterday, Air Canada has announced a new cooperation agreement with Qatar Airways that will allow both airlines to expand their relationship.

According to Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, the strategic agreement will provide customers access to a multitude of connections across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, through Qatar Airways’ Doha hub.

“As Air Canada rebuilds its global network, we are strategically developing new routes and pivoting towards markets that cater to Canada’s growing multicultural population,” he said. “As more of our customers resume international travel next year, this enhanced agreement will allow Canadians more convenient options to visit family and friends, as well as open up exciting new destinations.”

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, added: “Air Canada, one of the most successful airlines in North America, will add huge value to Qatar Airways’ expanding network. Canada is a strategically important market for Qatar Airways and this service will complement our existing four-weekly service to Montreal and provide our travellers with additional options when planning travel to and from Canada.”

Toronto-Doha nonstop service will operate three times weekly onboard Air Canada’s flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 298 seats featuring a choice of Signature, Premium Economy and Economy classes. YYZ-DOH will run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while DOH-YYZ will begin Dec. 18 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All flights are timed to optimize connections through both carriers’ hubs.

One day before unveiling its agreement with Qatar Airways, Air Canada also announced the appointment of Amos Kazzaz as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Kazzaz, who currently serves as the airline’s Senior Vice President, Finance, will step into his new role on Feb. 15, 2021 at Air Canada’s Montreal headquarters, the same day Rovinescu will retire as President and CEO. Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Rovinescu upon his retirement.

Said Rovinescu: “I am very pleased to name Amos as our next Chief Financial Officer following Mike Rousseau’s advancement to CEO. Amos has been a key member of our highly skilled executive team for over a decade. His financial acumen, proven track record and deep knowledge of Air Canada’s business position him well for the CFO role and to help guide Air Canada as the industry recovers.”

In his new role, Kazzaz will oversee Air Canada’s overall financial strategic direction comprising all aspects of financial reporting and planning, investor relations, treasury and controller’s operations, taxation, pension administration, internal audit, fleet, procurement and corporate real estate.

Kazzaz joined Air Canada in 2010 as Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, and became Senior Vice President, Finance in 2015. He previously held senior executive roles within the airline and transportation sector, including a 24-year career at United Airlines with several executive positions in finance, planning and cost management.