MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2026 – Air Transat, which was voted World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, proudly operated its inaugural flights to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) this week. Flight TS272 left Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Wednesday evening, February 4, and flight TS274 took off from YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Thursday evening, February 5. With these new non-stop services, Air Transat provides travellers with seamless access to one of South America’s most iconic destinations and becomes the sole airline to directly connect Montreal to Rio de Janeiro.

It operates twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until June 10, 2026. Another service, offered exclusively by Air Transat, runs once a week on Thursdays until June 4, 2026. Both routes are served by the Airbus A330, ensuring that travellers enjoy spacious cabins and a comfortable journey.

“Launching our non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal is a bold move in expanding our South American offerings,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “These routes create a direct link between Canada and Brazil, making it easier for travellers to experience Rio’s vibrant culture and for families and friends to reunite across continents. And as the only airline offering a non-stop flight from Montreal to Rio, we are proud to provide an exclusive option that brings Canadians and Brazilians closer together.”

“Travel between Canada and Rio de Janeiro is a growing market, with 44,000 passengers traveling annually between these two markets, nearly half of whom arrive and depart from Toronto Pearson,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson. “Air Transat’s new non-stop service directly responds to this trend and gives our passengers even more options to reach Brazil and the legendary skyline of Rio de Janeiro. We’re proud to support this route and the opportunities it creates for both business and leisure travellers.”

“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome this first non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro, operated by our partner Air Transat. This new route will give travellers the opportunity to discover a destination known for its vibrant culture and remarkable diversity,” said Karl Brochu, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Service Development at ADM. “Beyond boosting tourism, this connection will also strengthen economic, cultural, and family ties between Quebec and Brazil. We extend our sincere thanks to all the Air Transat teams who worked tirelessly to bring this route to fruition.”

“Air Transat will begin regular operations in Brazil for the first time, with RIOgaleão and the ‘Marvelous City’ as its gateway to the country. In addition to increasing connectivity with Toronto, the airline will introduce Montreal as a new international destination from Tom Jobim International Airport. This investment in Rio de Janeiro highlights the strength of the local market and the city’s appeal on the global stage,” added Alexandre Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão.

Travellers flying to Rio de Janeiro with Air Transat can also take advantage of the airline’s agreement. From Galeão International Airport (GIG), this agreement enables smooth onward connections to GOL’s extensive network of destinations across Brazil and South America. These include major cities such as São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador and Belo Horizonte – making it easier than ever to explore Brazil and beyond.

About Air Transat

Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common goal to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ).

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.