Air Canada and ALPA agree tentative deal to end strike

Air Canada says it has reached a tentative agreement with pilots union Air Line Pilots  Association (ALPA), which the company has agreed to most of the demands from more than 5000 pilots. The agreement will mean an extra $1.9 billion for pilots over the course of the four-year deal.  

The airline said "The new agreement recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada's pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline. Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors."

If the deal is approved, there will be a massive reduction in the number of new routes the carrier was expected to launch for summer 2025 and winter 25/26.  

First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA MEC said: "While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract.

After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules. This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework."

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Air Canada's Best New Restaurants 2024 Longlist is unveiled

The 30 nominees for Air Canada's Best New Restaurants 2024 were unveiled today, celebrating new culinary talent across Canada. Since 2002, Air Canada has championed the country's distinct culinary scene through the longest-running Canadian restaurant ranking and its signature program, Air Canada's Best New Restaurants. 

"We're thrilled to shine a light on Canada's emerging culinary talent through Air Canada's annual Best New Restaurants list," said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand, Air Canada. "Food is an important part of culture and heritage, and by sharing the very best of Canada's creative culinary scene, we hope to inspire people to seek out great food experiences across our country. In doing so, we are proud to celebrate the best of Canadian talent and support the vitality of Canada's restaurant and hospitality sector."

Air Canada's Best New Restaurants is the only cross-country restaurant ranking to use a single, anonymous reviewer who sets out to dine across Canada. Based on the recommendations of a coast-to-coast panel of food experts, Air Canada sends one undercover writer on a month-long culinary marathon to sample the offerings from notable openings across the country, all of which are now contenders for the coveted Top 10 list.

Firas Al Osman appointed Chief Digital Officer at Air Canada

In this new role, Mr. Al Osman will be responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy at Air Canada. Key areas of focus will include enhancing the customer experience and driving efficiency and innovation, as well as improving operational processes and performance.

"I am thrilled to welcome Firas to Air Canada and look forward to working with him on the exciting projects already underway at the airline to improve the customer experience and efficiency initiatives in our operations. As we continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world, Firas's extensive experience in digital strategy, technology, and innovation will be accelerate our team's efforts to deliver a superior customer experience and achieve our strategic goals", said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Digital and President, Aeroplan.

Mr. Al Osman joins Air Canada from a leading professional services organization, bringing with him a wealth of experience leading the development and execution of large-scale digital transformation programs for major organizations across several industries including airlines, financial services, insurance, and healthcare.

Air Canada is committed to enhancing its digital capabilities and providing a seamless and engaging experience across all customer and employee touchpoints. Mr. Al Osman's appointment marks a key step forward in the airline's ongoing efforts to be a leader in digital innovation within the travel and loyalty industries.

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Air Canada set to cut services ahead of strike action

Talks with ALPA nearing impasse over union's excessive wage demands

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge prepare to gradually suspend flights over three days, potentially starting as early as September 15, 2024

Customers are advised to use airline's goodwill policy to defer imminent travel at no cost

 Air Canada today said that it is finalizing contingency plans to suspend most of its operations. Talks between the company and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, continue, but the parties remain far apart. Unless an agreement is reached, beginning on September 15, 2024, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock out notice, which would trigger the carrier's three-day wind down plan.
"Air Canada believes there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group, provided ALPA moderates its wage demands which far exceed average Canadian wage increases. However, Canadians have recently seen the chaos abrupt airline shutdowns cause for travellers, which obliges us to do everything we can to protect our customers from an increasingly likely work stoppage. This includes the extremely difficult decision to begin an orderly shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge once a 72-hour strike or lock out notice is given, possibly as early as this Sunday," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
"We understand and apologize for the inconvenience this would cause our customers. However, a managed shutdown is the only responsible course available to us. We are publicizing our plans to give the more than 110,000 people who travel with us each day greater certainty and the opportunity to reduce the risk of being stranded by using our goodwill policy to change or defer imminent travel at no cost. We are also alerting the Government of Canada to the potential disruption's impact upon Canadians."
Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. However, these regional partners only carry about 20 per cent of Air Canada's daily customers, many of whom ultimately connect on Air Canada flights. 
What should customers do and what are the impacts of this strike action?

Air Canada to resume Ottawa to London Heathrow service

Air Canada has confirmed it will be resuming scheduled service between Ottawa and London Heathrow from 31st March 2025.  The airline will operate the route four times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

"We are very pleased to solidify Air Canada's leadership serving our country's capital with the resumption of trans-Atlantic services beginning next spring. In addition to London being a top global destination, Heathrow is one of the world's primary global gateways as well as home to Air Canada's largest international operations. Conveniently located together with our Star Alliance partner airlines in The Queen's Terminal, Air Canada offers customers easy connections to a vast array of more than 30 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa with our airline partners. With continued demand for visiting friends, relatives, leisure and tourism, as well as supporting business and corporate travel, this route gives customers from both the National Capital Region and abroad direct, convenient international travel options to and from Ottawa," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President – Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

"We are looking forward to the future delivery of Air Canada's new Airbus A321XLR fleet. The economics, optimum cabin size and range of the XLR which is expected to begin arriving in late 2025, will enable us to consider operating this important international route with greater frequencies and potentially with year-round service," concluded Mr. Galardo.

Hey Canada....its time to get in the Vacation Mood

                                     

              Air Canada Vacations is thrilled to announce the launch of its ‘Vacation Mood’ fall/winter brand campaign. The social-first campaign was designed to put Canadian travellers at the forefront by inviting them to share their vacation mood on social media with the hashtag #MyVacationMood and tagging @aircanadavacations for a chance to be featured on Air Canada Vacations’ social channels. The campaign aims to create a travel community of real people on real vacations, exchanging and sharing unique travel experiences.

“We want to inspire Canadians to dream about their next vacation by inviting them to have a voice in our campaign,” said Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations. “By creating authentic, emotional connections through travel, we celebrate the way it makes us feel and brings us together.”

The campaign, which runs from August 15 – September 8, 2024, includes digital and social media, a ‘My Vacation Mood’ contest, and out-of-home media placements in key cities across the country, each depicting a series of playful vacation moods and moments.

“When you consider that travel planning is often inspired by social media and recommendations from friends and family, it seemed like a natural fit to ask Canadians to share their vacation moods so that others can discover new adventures, destinations, and unique travel experiences,” said Selma Filali, Senior Director of Marketing & E-Commerce at Air Canada Vacations. 

Air Canada's latest results

This week, Canada's leading airline, Air Canada reported its second quarter 2024 financial results.

Second quarter operating revenues of $5.5 billion, increased 2% year over year

Operating income of $466 million, decreased $336 million year over year

Adjusted EBITDA* of $914 million, decreased $306 million year over year

Leverage ratio* of 1.0 as at June 30, 2024, compared to 1.1 at end of 2023

"Air Canada today reported second quarter operating revenues of more than $5.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $914 million.  We saw healthy demand, with load factors remaining above historical averages. We remained sharply focused on our customers and operations throughout the quarter and experienced a 10-percentage point year-over-year improvement in our on-time performance, even with the increased flying. I thank our employees for their hard work in safely transporting 11.6 million customers in the quarter and I am pleased to see their efforts recognized as we were ranked the best airline in Canada and received five honours at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, the most of any Canadian carrier," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

"When compared to the second quarter of 2023, we increased our capacity 6.5 per cent in the period.  Our adjusted unit cost was well contained, increasing 1.7 per cent. This was supported through rigorous cost discipline, which is always a top priority for us.  We will continue to adapt to market conditions, manage capacity proactively and contain costs through productivity and other initiatives. 

We further diversified our network, including with services to Singapore, Stockholm and India, and enhanced our operational flexibility by securing an additional eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft, set to enter service next year. These actions reaffirm our dedication to our customers, whom I thank for their continued loyalty.  We are proud of our role as Canada's leading global airline, connecting Canada to the world."

Air Canada's Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Air Canada today reported its second quarter 2024 financial results.

Second quarter operating revenues of $5.5 billion, increased 2% year over year

Operating income of $466 million, decreased $336 million year over year

Adjusted EBITDA* of $914 million, decreased $306 million year over year

Leverage ratio* of 1.0 as at June 30, 2024, compared to 1.1 at end of 2023

"Air Canada today reported second quarter operating revenues of more than $5.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $914 million.  We saw healthy demand, with load factors remaining above historical averages. We remained sharply focused on our customers and operations throughout the quarter and experienced a 10-percentage point year-over-year improvement in our on-time performance, even with the increased flying. I thank our employees for their hard work in safely transporting 11.6 million customers in the quarter and I am pleased to see their efforts recognized as we were ranked the best airline in Canada and received five honours at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, the most of any Canadian carrier," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

"When compared to the second quarter of 2023, we increased our capacity 6.5 per cent in the period.  Our adjusted unit cost was well contained, increasing 1.7 per cent. This was supported through rigorous cost discipline, which is always a top priority for us.  We will continue to adapt to market conditions, manage capacity proactively and contain costs through productivity and other initiatives. 

We further diversified our network, including with services to Singapore, Stockholm and India, and enhanced our operational flexibility by securing an additional eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft, set to enter service next year. These actions reaffirm our dedication to our customers, whom I thank for their continued loyalty.  We are proud of our role as Canada's leading global airline, connecting Canada to the world."

Air Canada partners with Elevate Aviation for ACE week to promote women in aviation

Last month, Air Canada proudly took part in the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) week with Elevate Aviation in Edmonton, Alberta. A group of 17 women from diverse backgrounds in the Edmonton area were introduced to the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) profession by Berlyn Siscar and Carina Dung, Air Canada AMEs based in our Vancouver hub, as part as the Women Employment Skills training program.  

“The Aviation Career Exploration program is designed and built to introduce people to careers in aviation by giving them a hands-on immersive experience about various careers in aviation,” said Christine Merrick, Director, of Elevate Aviation Learning Centre. “Everybody knows what a pilot is, what a flight attendant is, but not everybody knows what an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer does and not everybody knows what a de-icing technician does, so our goal is to expand that reach and education about these careers.”  

The ACE program is not just for adults. Elevate Aviation organizes field trips for students from grade 6 to grade 12, hoping to ignite a passion for aviation in children. 

Air Canada solidified its partnership with Elevate Aviation in 2023 by signing an agreement that includes extensive support for many of their initiatives including the annual gala, the Cross Country Tour which took place earlier this year, as well as the ACE program.  

“The Air Canada partnership is very important to us. We would not be able to do this without the support of our partners in aviation. Not only the monetary support but also having professionals in the industry taking the time to come here and talk to our students, like during the ACE week. We are very grateful for that, and it does make a difference in these women’s lives,” said Christine Merrick.  

Air Canada Foundation's 12th Annual Golf Tournament Achieves New Fundraising Milestone for Children's Health

The Air Canada Foundation's annual golf tournament is its largest fundraising event

In 2023, the Foundation donated $1.3 million to organizations that help kids spread their wings

Over the past 12 years, the Foundation has raised more than $11 million for the health and well-being of children and youth

The business and aviation community came together in support of the 12th annual Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament, raising a record-breaking $1.4 million to support the health and well-being of children and youth across Canada.

This year's event welcomed 296 guests and over 100 sponsors, including corporate partners, suppliers, and vendors of Air Canada. With their generous support, the tournament raised an impressive sum of $1.4 million. These funds will be redistributed over the coming year through the Foundation's many programs and partnerships that help kids spread their wings.

In 2023, the Air Canada Foundation donated more than $1.3 million to charitable organizations across Canada, most of which was raised at this very tournament last year. These donations have helped sick children access specialized medical care, ensured the basic needs of children are met and protected, and provided hope to children facing adversity, with an increased focus on charitable partnerships that directly impact children from equity-deserving populations.

"This event is so much more than just a golf tournament. It's a time where we unite with our partners, employees and suppliers to champion a cause we all hold dear - helping children spread their wings," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada. "As stewards of the future, we recognize the vital role of nurturing the next generation. We are proud to know that our Air Canada Foundation is supporting numerous charities across the country to bring hope, protection and well-being to the children across our country."

Air Canada’s Best and Complete Content Now Available Through Sabre NDC

Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, and Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, today announced the launch of Air Canada's full content via NDC in Sabre's travel marketplace. This launch empowers travel agencies to consume Air Canada's expanded NDC offers and services, enabling them to provide a more personalized travel experience to the customers they serve.  

As of July 17, 2024, travel agents and other travel sellers can shop, book, and service Air Canada NDC offers alongside traditional EDIFACT content and low-cost and ancillary XML options. NDC is now available in the following markets: Canada, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India[1], Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. Following the launch in these countries, focus will turn to activating new markets based on demand.

"This partnership with Sabre marks a significant step forward in Air Canada’s NDC program," said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, Air Canada. "From local independent agencies to large corporate travel management companies, our travel trade partners were, are, and will always be crucial to Air Canada’s commercial success. That’s why we’re committed to working collaboratively on a smooth transition, enabling the trade to connect with Air Canada using their preferred and familiar methods. Sabre's marketplace plays a vital role in the travel ecosystem, making NDC content readily available to travel agents and buyers across the world, providing a consistent and efficient booking experience across all channels.”

New Air Canada Paris 2024 Spot Celebrates How One Canadian Dream Can Inspire Another

New Air Canada Paris 2024 Spot Celebrates How One Canadian Dream Can Inspire Another Brand spot from Official Airline of Team Canada tells moving story connecting the journeys of New Canadians and Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

 

Air Canada has launched Ticket to Dream, a powerful new brand spot celebrating Team Canada's heroic journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The spot will be released on Air Canada’s social platforms on July 17 and premiere on TV, cinema and online on July 26, helping stoke excitement among Team Canada and its devoted fans during the official opening ceremony for the Games.  

Ticket to Dream stands as the centrepiece of Air Canada’s wider Olympic and Paralympic campaign, which will champion Team Canada's pursuit of glory this summer and unite Canadian fans in Paris and at home, through exciting activations that proudly share the best of Canada with the world.

"We're immensely proud to honour Team Canada's athletes, whose relentless spirit and drive in pursuing their dreams is truly inspirational," says Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. "Our Ticket to Dream spot brings together the drama and emotion of that journey while paying homage to the resilience of both our athletes and many Canadians inspiring all of us ahead of the world’s most prestigious sporting event.”

Air Canada proudly sponsors The Ninety-Nines International Conference and Career Expo 2024 in Vancouver

Last week, Air Canada proudly sponsored The Ninety-Nines International Conference and Career Expo that took place in Vancouver, BC. The organization, founded in 1929 and whose first president was Amelia Earhart and currently counts close to 8,000 female pilots and student pilots, offers mentorship as well as scholarships to its members.  

“We welcome women from all over the world, whether you are a certified or licensed pilot or student pilot even. We have members from New Zealand, India, and obviously Canada and the United States. We offer mentorship and scholarships to our members,” said Captain Janet Patton, International Director of The Ninety-Nines. “We have commercial pilots, helicopter pilots, all sorts! What we all have in common is our passion for aviation and so meetings like these are a good opportunity to get together and share our experiences, challenges and passion,” continued Captain Patton, who is also a licensed hot air balloon commercial pilot.  

“Thanks to our Air Canada sponsorship, we are able to hold this event in beautiful Vancouver and gain visibility to our organization,” said Cindy Pang, Governor of the West Canada section of The Ninety-Nines, licensed pilot and Air Canada concierge at Vancouver International Airport. “We count many Air Canada pilots and employees in our group, therefore having the company’s support means a lot to us.”  

Air Canada to lease more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

The Canadian airline Air Canada has completed a lease deal with BOC Aviation Limited for eight Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The airline is deliberately dropping the MAX from its publicity to obfuscate details from the flying public as to the model of aircraft they are passengers on. The eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and will undergo special safety-required modifications before entering service in 2025. The aircraft will initially operate with a single Economy class layout until they are reconfigured to fully match the onboard experience our customers enjoy in Air Canada's narrow-body, two-cabin standard at a later date. All eight aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

"We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.   

"We are pleased that Canada's flag carrier, Air Canada, is working with us once again as it strengthens its network," said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. 

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The Boeing 737 MAX 8 type has experienced a very troubled history, it is an aircraft that has been beset by significant flaws that led to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in a total of 346 fatalities. 

Air Canada to start Québec to Tulum, Mexico route

Air Canada will launch new weekly flights from Québec City to Tulum, Mexico's newest airport in the Yucatan peninsula from 13 December this year the airline advised.

The airline will also resume non-stop services from Québec City to popular sun destinations Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Cana and Cancun this winter. 

"We are excited to launch new non-stop flights from Québec City to Tulum, offering convenient access to Mexico's Mayan Riviera, as well as resuming non-stop service from Québec City to popular sun destinations. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations provide a wide range of travel choices for Québec residents, with easy and convenient flights to their favourite vacation destinations in Florida, Mexico and more. Customers can make their sun holiday travel plans now. We look forward to welcoming you onboard this winter," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning.

"We are delighted with the addition of Tulum to the range of vacation destinations offered to travellers from the greater Québec City region and the return of Air Canada international flights from Québec City to destinations as popular as Cancun, Punta Cana, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Not only has Air Canada made the decision to quickly restore its international air service from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), but the carrier has also chosen to invest in our market by adding a new destination to the schedule for winter 2024-2025," said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB. "This announcement is the result of a fruitful and beneficial collaboration between Air Canada and YQB."

Winter flying from Québec City

Quebec	Peak winter 2024 service improvements and seasonal resumptions
Québec (YQB) – Tulum (TQO)	New route, 1 weekly flight
Québec (YQB) – Orlando (MCO)	Resumed October 30, with 2 weekly flights
Québec (YQB) – Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	Resumed October 31, with 2 weekly flights
Québec (YQB) – Punta Cana (PUJ)	Resumed October 30, with 2 weekly flights
Québec (YQB) – Cancún (CUN)	Resumed October 31, with 1 weekly flights

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Air Canada updates winter schedule to offer 55 Caribbean and US Destinations.......

New Montreal-Saint Maarten*, Ottawa-Tulum*, Quebec City-Tulum* routes

Non-stop flights from Quebec City to Florida, Mexico, Caribbean

More flights from Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver to popular vacation destinations

Air Canada has updated its 2024-25 winter sun network, with increased frequencies and featuring new routes from Ottawa and Quebec City to Tulum and from Montreal to Saint Maarten. In addition, more flights are scheduled from Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to popular vacation destinations in Florida and the Caribbean. This winter, Air Canada plans to operate up to 50 flights departing Canada every day, serving a total of 55 Caribbean and US Sun vacation destinations.

"Air Canada continues to expand the breadth of its winter leisure network by adding new routes to in-demand leisure destinations, including Saint Maarten and Tulum. Air Canada was the first Canadian carrier to launch service to Tulum, the newest airport in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, and we are thrilled to expand our services to offer non-stop flights from both Ottawa and Quebec City to this exciting destination. With the addition of new services to SaintMaarten from Montreal complementing our services from Toronto, Air Canada offers the most weekly frequencies from Canada to this binational, multicultural Caribbean island," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

"Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations will offer a multitude of travel options and increased frequencies from airports across Canada so customers can conveniently reach popular winter sun destinations. These flights are already available for sale and customers can make their winter travel plans now. We look forward to welcoming you onboard."

Air Canada takes 5 categories at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards

Air Canada has been recognized with five awards at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, including for having the world's Best Business Class Airline Lounge Catering and also the Best Cabin Crew in Canada. The carrier was also named the Most Family Friendly Airline in North America, Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America, and Cleanest Airline in North America.

"We are very pleased with the results of this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards due to the number of awards we won and also because they recognize Air Canada's industry leadership in delivering superior products and service across our diverse customer base. This includes our premium customers, to whom we offer the world's Best Business Class Airline Lounge Catering at our Toronto Air Canada Signature Suite and the Best Premium Economy Class catering in North America; families travelling together, who can enjoy the Most Family Friendly Airline in North America; and all customers who are served by the Best Cabin Crew in Canada while flying on the Cleanest Airline in North America," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada.

"These awards also recognize the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our 40,000 employees worldwide who safely transport our customers to their destinations, and for truly representing what is the best of Canada. I am particularly pleased to see the work of our flight attendants and our cabin services operations teams being recognized. And to our customers, I thank them for their loyalty to Air Canada and for expressing their support by taking part in the 2024 Skytrax awards survey, which had more than 20 million submissions globally."

• World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge Catering for the Toronto Air Canada Signature Suite
• Best Cabin Crew in Canada
• Most Family Friendly Airline in North America
• Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America
• Cleanest Airline in North America

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The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that is truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as "the Oscars of the aviation industry". All costs of the Survey and Awards event are paid by Skytrax, and airlines do not pay any entry or registration fee. There are no charges for use of the Award logos and results. The online customer survey operated from September 2023 to May 2024, together with invitations sent to previous year respondents in the survey database. Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the 2023/2024 survey with 21.42 million eligible entries counted in the results.

Children living with autism learn to fly on Autism Aviation Days

Over the last two months, employees at Air Canada and our partner, Jazz Aviation LP, the Air Canada Foundation and the Canucks Autism Network organized Autism Aviation Days in BC to introduce kids on the autism spectrum and their families to elements of air travel by learning and practicing airport processes. Following the two first events held at Victoria International Airport at the end of April, three single-day events took place on May 4, 25 and 26 at Vancouver International Airport, where 180 children experienced the security process, boarding an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft, taxiing around the tarmac and de-planing.  

 

“Helping children spread their wings is what we do at the Air Canada Foundation”, said Rebecca Smillie Nedelec, Director, Community Engagement at Air Canada. “By partnering with organizations like the Canucks Autism Network, we can provide these unique experiences that help reduce barriers and improve accessibility to air travel for children of all backgrounds.”  

 

Families with children on the spectrum of autism can face different challenges and barriers, especially when it comes to air travel. These events allowed children to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a safe and supported environment. Autism Aviation Days aim to decrease anxiety associated with air travel and build confidence for future journeys not only for the children but also the parents.  

 

 

Children living with autism learn to fly on Autism Aviation Days from Air Canada on Vimeo.

All Air Canada customers on all flights can now enjoy a delicious free snack, featuring Canadian favourites

Starting today, Air Canada has introduced premium complimentary snacks, featuring homegrown Canadian favourites, to all customers on all flights. The airline is also expanding its complimentary beer and wine offering to customers on flights within Canada and the U.S., alongside a selection of $5 spirits, through the end of this year.

"We're thrilled to continue elevating the Economy travel experience in North America, and we're proud to spotlight Canadian brands with this thoughtfully curated lineup of complimentary snacks and beverages, in time for your summer travels," said Scott O'Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada. "This builds on our recent industry-leading food and beverage upgrade to make travel better for all customers, including 100+ new rotating seasonal recipes."

Take Snacking to Cloud Nine 

Complimentary premium snacks are now offered to Economy customers on all Air Canada flights. Whether travelling in Canada or across the globe, all customers on all flights can enjoy free sweet or savoury bites, including two Canadian favourites: buttery herb and garlic pretzels from Alberta's family-owned and female-led TWIGZ, and Quebec-based Leclerc's Célébration Cookie, a crafted sweet treat made with real milk chocolate and butter.

Raise a Glass to Summer

Air Canada is proud to extend its complimentary beer and wine offering to Economy customers flying within Canada and the U.S. just in time for summer, and through to the end of this year. This adds to the existing complimentary offering in all International Economy and Premium cabins. Beer, wine and spirits remain available for purchase from the Air Canada Bistro menu on Economy flights to and from the Caribbean and Mexico.

Customers will enjoy a curated selection of exceptional beers, French wines, and customer favourite spirits. Featured flavour-forward craft beers include Hop Valley and Creemore Springs Premium Lager, as well as crisp and refreshing Molson Canadian and Coors Light. Two French wines from Paul Mas include a robust red or a fresh, dry white.

For cocktail aficionados, $5 spirits on offer include Baileys Original Irish Cream, Canadian Club rye, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Smirnoff vodka, Tromba Tequila Blanco, or Campari. There's something everyone can cheers to with the largest bar offering of any airline in North America.

Alcohol will not be served to persons under the age of majority or for any safety reasons.

Continued Culinary Elevation

Customers travelling on Air Canada this summer will also enjoy its recent industry-leading food and beverage upgrade to make travel better, which includes 100+ new rotating seasonal recipes alongside craveable new snacks and beverages. Air Canada's refreshed Bistro menu also boasts the most extensive selection of fresh buy-on-board options from any North American airline, and Air Canada also remains the only North American airline to offer hot, fresh kids' meals to purchase through its North American Bistro program. With options that cater to the diverse dietary needs of customers, the airline will continue to invest in even more comfort and convenience throughout 2024.

Additional information on Air Canada's new drinks and premium snacks, and more, is available at: aircanada.com/bonappetit

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Air Canada expands service to India for Winter 2024-25

 

                                  Air Canada today announced the strategic expansion of its international network to India, adding 40 per cent more seat capacity beginning late October for the Winter 2024-25 season. Highlights of the carrier's new services include the only non-stop flights from Canada to India's financial capital, Mumbai, improved service from Western Canada to Delhi with the introduction of new seasonal daily flights over London Heathrow and daily flights from Montreal to Delhi. In total, Air Canada will operate 25 weekly flights to India, the most comprehensive offering of any carrier between Canada and India. Seats on all flights are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App and through travel agents.

Only non-stop Canada-Mumbai route launches Oct. 27, operating four-times weekly from Toronto

Increased Air Canada connectivity from Western Canada to India with new daily seasonal Calgary-Delhi flights via London Heathrow beginning Oct. 27

Vancouver-London flights connect conveniently to Delhi this winter via London Heathrow

Montreal-Delhi flights boosted to daily; route capacity increases 44 per cent

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"India is an important market for Air Canada, reflecting longstanding and growing family and trade ties between our two countries. We are thrilled to expand our network to Mumbai and Delhi by building additional scale at our hubs in time for Diwali festivities this fall. With new non-stop flights from Toronto to Mumbai, the addition of new flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow, together with the unparalleled connectivity from our robust North American network, we are solidifying Air Canada as the leading airline offering the most travel options between Canada and India. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President – Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

Air Canada will operate 25 weekly flights representing 7,400 seats each week this winter from Canada to India, comprising up to 11 weekly flights from Toronto to Delhi and Mumbai, daily flights from Montreal to Delhi and daily flights to Delhi from Western Canada via London Heathrow.

Toronto-Mumbai* schedule:

The only non-stop flight from Canada to Mumbai, linking two of the largest cities in both countries

Flights will be operated with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring a choice of Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy class service

Schedule facilitates convenient connections from across North America to/from Air Canada's primary global hub