Ottawa - A coalition of tourism, hospitality, lodging and business organizations today welcomed the announcement of the formation of the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) with a commitment to work together with it and other like-minded organizations in a coalition on common issues of concern.

The coalition is comprised of a number of industry groups and stakeholders, including the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) . These organizations have expressed their intention to work in unison with the NACC on a number of key aviation files which significantly impact on their respective industries.

“We wholeheartedly welcome today’s launch of the National Airlines Council of Canada, and we look forward to working with the NACC and the other members of this coalition on a number of critical aviation issues which are vital to the ongoing prosperity and competitiveness of Canada’s tourism industry” said TIAC President and CEO Randy Williams.

"The CAC enjoys a long-standing history of working collaboratively with Canada's air carrier community and other stakeholders on common areas of concern," said CAC President and CEO Jim Facette. "With the NACC and other organizations involved in the promotion of Canadian trade and tourism through aviation, we look forward to continued joint efforts."

“The Hotel Association of Canada looks forward to working constructively and collaboratively with the NACC and our industry partners to ensure that Canada’s aviation policy framework helps fuel a robust tourism sector, which will inevitably support and sustain a strong hotel and lodging sector,” said Anthony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada.

The National Airlines Council of Canada was founded in the fall of 2008 by Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Air LP and WestJet to serve as the airline industry’s voice in Ottawa and internationally. The NACC is committed to promoting the accessibility, security and environmental sustainability of air travel for Canadians.