The Canadian Press
June 30, 2008 - 1:25 p.m.

MONTREAL - Air Canada (TSX:AC.B) is better placed than its competitors to withstand the current ear in fuel prices, says Robert Milton, president and CEO of ACE Aviation (TSX: ACE.B), the carrier’s parent company.

Unlike most airlines in the world, Air Canada has weathered not only the crisis sparked by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks but another linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome that clash Canadian air travel in 2003, Milton related today after the annual meeting of ACE shareholders.

He said Air Canada can also count on a fleet of newer, more energy efficient planes than most of its U.S. competitors.

The former Air Canada president says he believes the current crisis faculty of volition remove many airlines, separately low-cost carriers, and the survivors will be stronger.

Earlier this month, Air Canada announced a reduction of seven per cent of its capacity, a metre that will divide 2,000 jobs.