Amex Bank of Canada today announced that Air New Zealand, New Zealand's national airline, will provide Platinum Card members with a free Companion ticket and complimentary upgrades to Business and First Class on eligible flights.

Air New Zealand joins Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Japan Airlines and Swiss Airlines as the sixth partner in Amex's International Airline Program. The program is a one-of-a-kind travel benefit offering Platinum Card members complimentary companion tickets with each purchase of a non restrictive full fare First Class or Business Class ticket in addition to complimentary upgrades to Business Class. The program has no black-out periods and no limits to the number of times Platinum Card members can take advantage of the offer.

With Air New Zealand, companions of Platinum Card members can now travel for free anywhere Air New Zealand flies - with flights to 45 cities in 15 countries including 25 cities within New Zealand and major destinations to Australia, London, and the Pacific Islands.

"Air New Zealand is a great addition to the International Airline Program and we're thrilled to welcome them as our newest partner,� says Rob McClean, Vice President of Marketing for Amex Bank of Canada. �Clearly, by adding Air New Zealand to the program we're giving Cardmembers more choice and exceptional value while continuing to expand the program.�

�We are delighted to be working with Amex Bank of Canada and invite all Platinum Card members to experience Air New Zealand on a trip to New Zealand,� says Gerard Gilmore, Air New Zealand's Vice President, The Americas, UK and Europe. �With the complimentary companion ticket offer, there is truly no better time than now for planning travel to New Zealand.�

McClean adds, �we know that Platinum Card members are a group of established, affluent consumers who travel frequently to a variety of international destinations. That's why we look for partners like Air New Zealand who will bring value and help strengthen the unique travel benefits offered on the Platinum Card.� Introduced 20 years ago in 1984, the Platinum Card from American Express revolutionized the Canadian Card industry. Since then, the Platinum Card has remained at the top of the premium Card market because it offers a unique range of services. In addition to the International Airline Program, Platinum Card members also enjoy unique benefits and privileges like:

o Membership Rewards Program - Platinum Card members earn 1.5 Membership Rewards points for virtually every dollar charged to the Card. Points can be redeemed for a wide array of rewards such as travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle rewards o Personalized Travel Service - a full-service travel agency exclusively for Platinum Card members o Fine Dining Program - provides preferential access to tables at some of the most sought after restaurants around the world. (mainly US, Canada, EMEA and South Africa) o Fine Hotels & Resorts Program - receive special treatment at some of the world's finest properties o Platinum Card Concierge - assists Cardmembers with virtually any request, anywhere at any hour with a toll-free telephone call o Front Of The Line Entertainment - provides preferential ticket access to some of the hottest events in Canada

Amex Platinum Card members can book International Airline Program travel and a complimentary companion ticket with the same itinerary by calling American Express Personalized Travel Service at 1-800-668-9147 or call 1-888-414-8747 to find an American Express Travel Service location near you.

About American ExpressAmerican Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company, which provides a range of financial and travel related services for consumers and companies.

Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express Cards in Canada. Amex Canada Inc.operates the Corporate Travel and Travellers Cheque divisions in Canada. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now employs over 3,700 Canadians coast to coast.

About Air New Zealand Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline, including daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles to New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and multiple flights per week from Los Angeles to Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa. As of November 2, Air New Zealand now offers non-stop service between Los Angeles and Christchurch, departing thrice weekly. This new service cuts down on travel time for passengers from North America travelling to the South Island, as they no longer have to fly to Auckland on the country's North Island, then transit southbound to Christchurch. Air New Zealand also offers twice weekly, non-stop service from San Francisco to Auckland, code-sharing with Air Canada. This service was introduced on June 30, and offers Canadian travellers another U.S. gateway for their New Zealand travel.

The readers of Cond� Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines consistently rate Air New Zealand among the world's best international airlines. Visit Air New Zealand online at www.airnewzealand.com for web specials or further information.

For further information: Georgette Heron-Dunn, Public Affairs & Communications, (905) 474-8030; Tara Peever, Public Affairs & Communications, (905) 474-8461