Albany, NY (February 9, 2000) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced that Air Georgian will begin direct flights from Albany to Toronto beginning April 3.

"The addition of flights to Canada is a continuation of our goal to expand service and lower fares," said Rev. Farano. "We are most pleased to welcome Air Georgian to the Albany family."

Air Georgian will operate seven days a week and offer three non-stop flights to Toronto each business day. A flight schedule will be announced shortly. In addition to providing direct flights to Toronto, passengers traveling from Albany will benefit from the opportunity to connect beyond Toronto to Air Canada and Star Alliance global destinations.

Air Georgian will operate Beachcraft 1900D aircraft. The 18-seat aircraft features a stand-up cabin, comfortable reclining leather seating, under-seat storage and a lavatory.

"Our focus will be on delivering quality service to the customer and helping to build the Air Canada network," said Paul Mulrooney, President of Air Georgian Limited.

Air Georgian will be a subsidiary of Air Ontario, which now offers daily flights from Toronto to both Syracuse and Rochester. Air Georgian will take over the flights to Syracuse and Rochester.

Air Georgian will operate as Air Ontario's tier three carrier in route development. Air Ontario says its long-term goal is to put larger aircraft on the Albany-Toronto flights as the route matures.

Business Express was the last airline to offer flights from Albany to Toronto. The service was terminated in 1996.