Corporate Profile

Air Canada is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2022, making it one of the world’s oldest airlines

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline and has had a tradition of firsts over its 85 year-lifespan. Emerging as Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) on April 10, 1937, with its first flight just over four months later, the airline has a history of innovation. Air Canada helped pioneer the multi-channel flight recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, a technology now adopted across the industry. In the 1990s, it was the first airline in Canada to introduce email specials and discounts with Go Air Canada WebSaver Deals, and, in 2009, it launched apps for Apple and BlackBerry devices ahead of any other airline. But there is much more. The airline's diversity, equity and inclusion programs are routinely awarded, and Air Canada is committed to sustaining the environment, recently committing to a net-zero carbon emission by 2050 and taking part in ocean shoreline clean-ups in Canada.

Air Canada’s fleet to include electric planes and fuel-efficient Airbus 321 Neo XLR aircraft

In September 2022, Air Canada announced plans to acquire 30 ES-30 electric regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace. The revolutionary regional aircraft, expected to enter service in 2028, will be flying on battery power and yield significant operational savings and benefits.

This builds on plans to order 30 Airbus A321neo extra-longrange aircraft and an additional 15 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The A321XLR is projected to yield up to 17 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the previous generation narrow-body on a typical transcontinental flight and up to 23 per cent versus previous generation wide-body aircraft on a transatlantic flight.

Fleet renewal
Air Canada’s ongoing fleet modernisation program began in 2007 and the airline has been adding next-generation, fuel efficient aircraft with industry leading customer amenities. Its long-range workhorse is the ultra-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which now comprises nearly 50 per cent of the wide body fleet and delivers an approximate 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the aircraft it replaced. The Airbus A220-300 (formerly known as the Bombardier C Series) and 737 MAX 8 aircraft feature product specifications and in-flight entertainment similar to the 787 Dreamliner. They are also expected to average approximately 20 per cent less fuel consumption per seat and emit 20 per cent less CO2 and 50 per cent less nitrogen oxides than the aircraft they replace.

Air Canada and United Airlines expand relationship to make transborder travel easier, with more choice

Air Canada and United Airlines announced a joint business agreement for the Canada-U.S. transborder market, building on their long-standing alliance, that will give more flight options and better flight schedules to customers travelling between the two countries. Customers will be able to connect to 38 codeshare destinations in the U.S. and eight of the most popular cities in Canada — all while enjoying the benefits of the carriers' MileagePlus® and Aeroplan loyalty programs. The agreement will also strengthen and grow both carriers' networks and help accelerate their post-pandemic recovery.

Air Canada’s global network  

Air Canada offers the most seats and frequencies of any Canadian carrier. Air Canada continues to expand its network with the announcement of new destinations launching in 2022-23:

• Toronto to Brussels
• Montreal to Antigua, Copenhagen, Toulouse, and New Orleans
• Vancouver to Bangkok, and Miami
• Halifax to New York (EWR)
• Quebec City to Cayo Coco and Varadero

Air Canada has also restarted routes such as:

• Toronto to Mumbai (via LHR) and Tokyo-Haneda
• Vancouver to Osaka and Cancun

In 2022 Air Canada intends to relaunch its capacity to nearly 73 percent of its 2019 levels.

Domestic network
As the country's flag carrier for 85 years, Air Canada connects the nation with domestic service to 51 Canadian airports and an average of over 500 daily frequencies.

U.S. transborder network
Air Canada’s proud tradition of being the largest foreign carrier in the U.S. is reflected in its transborder schedule to 51 U.S. airports and up to 400 daily flights between the two countries.

International network
The airline’s international network extends to six continents with service to over 75 airports from its Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver hubs, as well as from Calgary and Halifax, and an average of 147 daily frequencies. 

Air Canada elevates airport lounges, onboard dining and entertainment customer experience

Air Canada is making an improved customer experience central to its recovery strategy and a means to strengthen our position as a leading global carrier. It is investing in all aspects of the customer journey, whether people are flying in Air Canada's premium or Economy cabins, or in Premium Rouge. Air Canada is introducing the following enhancements:

• Chef Jérôme Ferrer created entrees featured in International Economy Class, plus new, health-conscious Air Canada Bistro choices, beginning in November 2022
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for Premium Rouge; 25 per cent increase in onboard entertainment content, including Live TV in 2023
• New Acqua di Parma amenity kits and, in Vancouver, Porsche-powered Air Canada Chauffeur Service for Air Canada Signature Class beginning in November 2022

On-board safety video

Ode to Canada is Air Canada’s on-board pre-flight safety video that takes customers on a stunning journey across Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast to each province and territory through all four seasons while presenting aircraft safety instructions in a compelling way.

Air Canada commits to net zero emissions by 2050

Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050, demonstrating its long-term commitment to advancing climate change sustainability throughout its business. To reach this, Air Canada has set absolute midterm greenhouse gas (GHG) net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline. For more information, visit Air Canada Leave Less.

Purchase carbon offsets easily through Air Canada CHOOOSE

The option to purchase verified carbon offsets is now seamlessly integrated into the airline's Canadian and US booking websites. Customers who are interested in learning more about CO2 emissions and compensating the GHG emissions associated with their flights can now do so directly when booking through aircanada.com.

Air Canada Cargo business

Air Canada Cargo, the freight division of Air Canada, is Canada's largest air cargo provider as measured by cargo capacity, with a presence in over 50 countries and self-handled hubs in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, London, and Frankfurt. Air Canada Cargo offers reliable air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s domestic and international passenger flights, cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft, and trucking services.

In late 2021, the first dedicated Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft joined the Air Canada fleet to provide consistent capacity on key air cargo routes such as Toronto to Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, with more routes being added as additional aircraft enter service. The fleet now consists of two freighters in operation, and in 2022, Air Canada took possession of two factory-built Boeing 767 aircraft, which will enter service in 2023, and ordered two factory-built Boeing 777 aircraft to be delivered in 2024. Overall, Air Canada expects to have a fleet of seven Boeing 767 freighters by the end of 2023 and expects to add a further three Boeing 767 freighters in 2024 and 2025.

Aeroplan

Air Canada’s Aeroplan is Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, chosen by millions of travellers worldwide. Aeroplan helps members travel more and offers the ability to earn or redeem points on all Air Canada fights as well as the world's largest airline partner network, encompassing over 45 airlines serving hundreds of destinations across the globe. 

Members earn points with Aeroplan’s 150+ financial, retail, and travel partners, including online shopping via the Aeroplan eStore.  In addition to flights, members also have access to an extensive range of merchandise, hotels, including preferential rates through Aeroplan HotelSavers at a broad range of acclaimed hotels worldwide, and car rental rewards. 

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program offers members exceptional benefits including obtaining flight rewards more quickly by combining points with Aeroplan Family Sharing and saving on redemptions with no additional cash surcharges on Air Canada flights. Aeroplan’s unique everyday partnerships with Uber Canada, Starbucks, and LCBO enable members to earn points directly when making a purchase. Plus, Aeroplan EliteTM Status Members and eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders have access to additional benefits, such as preferred pricing on flight rewards, lounge access, and more.

Principal hubs

Air Canada’s three hubs, Toronto (YYZ), the primary global hub, Montreal (YUL), a principal gateway to French and other international markets, and Vancouver (YVR), the airline’s premier gateway to the Asia-Pacific, offer Air Canada customers convenient connections under one roof.

Premium offerings

Air Canada Signature Service is an end-to-end premium service with lie-flat seats, access to airport concierge services at many airports, expedited check-in and security clearance (where available), lounge access, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding.

The Air Canada Signature Suite has raised the bar with its five-star dining experience, setting a new standard for premium travel in North America. It is located in Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson and at Vancouver International Airport and welcomes select Signature Service customers travelling to international destinations.

Maple Leaf Lounges are a comfortable way to relax or catch up on work before take-off with services and amenities to make the pre-flight experience more pleasurable and productive. Lounge services also offer several touchless features, including presentation of all reading materials in digital format through PressReader.

Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson offers a selection of Canadian craft beers, wines and hot snacks, in addition to the current range of grab-and-go artisanal sandwiches, salads, cold snacks, beverages and specialty coffees to be enjoyed with complimentary Wi-Fi in a relaxed, bistro-type setting.  

Air Canada Concierge services at 50 airports worldwide are available to Aeroplan Super Elite Members and, on day of travel at the airport, to Signature Service customers. Concierges are an immediate resource in-person at select airports and by phone 24/7 for all travel and airport-related matters, personalized services and priority.

Our Premium Economy cabin features enhanced comfort and amenities and is offered on all wide-body 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777-300ER and -200LR, and Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Preferred seats are offered in the Economy cabin for those who would like extra space between seats (up to 10 cm more) and convenience to board earlier and exit sooner on arrival.

Culinary and wine talent

Air Canada's panel of celebrated Canadian culinary and wine talent has designed award-winning food and wine options that guide the airline’s caterers.

Chef David Hawksworth creates signature dishes with Canadian flair that are exclusively featured on Air Canada flights to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in Signature Class and the Air Canada Signature Suite.

Chef Antonio Park prepares destination-inspired menu that are presented on select Air Canada flights from Canada to Asia and South America, as well as in Signature Class – North America.

Chef Jérôme Ferrer designs meals for the airline's Premium Economy and Economy Class customers on all flights departing Canada for Europe and Asia, as well as Australia and South America.

Chef Vikram Vij creates modern Indian dishes for all cabins of service on Air Canada's Canada-India flights.

Sommelier Véronique Rivest is Air Canada’s sommelier. Her carefully hand-picked wines pair with food at 30,000 feet.

Wi-Fi

Air Canada offers Wi-Fi access on select North American, Caribbean, and international flights. Customers can save by purchasing access before their flight or buy on board. With a Wi-Fi purchase, customers also receive complimentary access to 7,000+ magazines and newspapers through the PressReader app. Find out if Wi-Fi is available on your next flight.