Air Canada#Air Canada#2010s

{{See also|History of aviation in Canada}}

{{main|Trans-Canada Air Lines}}

Air Canada's predecessor, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), was created by federal legislation as a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway (CNR) on 11 April 1937.{{cite web|url=http://moments.aircanada.com/timeline/|title=Timeline – Air Canada's 80th Anniversary|website=moments.aircanada.com|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=27 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227182709/http://moments.aircanada.com/timeline|url-status=dead}} The newly created Department of Transport under Minister C. D. Howe desired an airline under government control to link cities on the Atlantic coast to those on the Pacific coast. Using $5 million in Crown seed money, two Lockheed Model 10 Electras and one Boeing Stearman biplane were purchased from Canadian Airways{{cite news | title=Indepth: Air Canada Timeline | date=20 June 2005 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/timeline.html | publisher=CBC News | access-date=4 April 2009 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060421035635/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/timeline.html |archive-date=21 April 2006}} and experienced airline executives from United Airlines and American Airlines were brought in.{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/history.html | title=Air Canada History | publisher=CBC News | date=14 May 2004 | access-date=4 April 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090331113445/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/history.html| archive-date= 31 March 2009| url-status=live}}

File:Malton Airport 1939 - TCA Lockheed Electra 14H2s (14Hs).jpg Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra at Malton Airport, 1939]]

Passenger flights began on 1 September 1937, with an Electra carrying two passengers and mail from Vancouver to Seattle, a $14.20 round trip, and, on 1 July 1938, TCA hired its first flight attendants.Mills, Albert J, Mills, Jean Helms. Masculinity and the Making of Trans-Canada Air Lines, 1937–1940: A Feminist Poststructuralist Account. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, March 2006. [http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090628195147/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3981/is_200603/ai_n17179192/pg_3 findarticles.com] Date accessed: 18 October 2007 Transcontinental routes from Montreal to Vancouver began on 1 April 1939, using 12 Lockheed Model 14 Super Electras and six Lockheed Model 18 Lodestars. By January 1940, the airline had grown to about 579 employees.

Canadian Pacific Airlines (CP Air) suggested in 1942 a merger with TCA. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King rejected the proposal and introduced legislation regulating TCA as the only airline in Canada allowed to provide transcontinental flights. With the increase in air travel after World War II, CP Air was granted one coast-to-coast flight and a few international routes.

Originally headquartered in Winnipeg, also the site of its national maintenance base, the federal government moved TCA's headquarters to Montreal in 1949; the maintenance base would later also move east. With the development of the ReserVec in 1953, TCA became the first airline in the world to use a computer reservation system with remote terminals.{{Cite web |last=Vardalas |first=John |title=From DATAR to the FP-6000 |url=https://ewh.ieee.org/reg/7/millennium/fp6000/fp6000_datar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404053248/http://www.ieee.ca/millennium/fp6000/fp6000_datar.html |archive-date=4 April 2019 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=IEEE}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=2051|title=Air Canada: Celebrating 70 Years of Leadership|magazine=Aviation Week & Space Technology|access-date=11 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115010750/http://atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=2051|archive-date=15 January 2010|url-status=dead}}

{{Rail freight

|float=right

|title=Revenue passenger-kilometres, scheduled flights only, in millions

|1950|727

|1955|1,551

|1960|3,284

|1965|5,702

|1969|9,074

|1971|10,343

|1975|16,270

|1980|23,752

|1985|21,718

|2000|448,006

|source=ICAO Digest of Statistics for 1950–55, IATA World Air Transport Statistics 1960–2000.

}}

By 1964, TCA had grown to become Canada's national airline and, in 1964, Jean Chrétien submitted a private member's bill to change the name of the airline from Trans-Canada Airlines to Air Canada, which TCA had long used as its French-language name. This bill failed but it was later resubmitted and passed, with the name change taking effect on 1 January 1965. Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, flew on the first aircraft to bear the name and livery of Air Canada when she departed for the United Kingdom at the end of her 1964 tour of Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Ontario.{{cite AV media| people=Sparling, Gordon; Bala, Nicholas| title=The Queen in Canada| medium=Digital video| publisher=National Film Board of Canada| location=Ottawa| date=1964| url=https://www.nfb.ca/film/queen_in_canada_1964| access-date=20 October 2014| archive-date=11 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811114708/http://www.nfb.ca/film/queen_in_canada_1964| url-status=live}}

During the 1970s, government regulations ensured Air Canada's dominance over domestic regional carriers and rival CP Air.{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Air-Canada-Company-History.html|title=Air Canada – Company History|year=2009|publisher=International Directory of Company Histories|access-date=19 August 2009|archive-date=8 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008203243/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Air-Canada-Company-History.html|url-status=live}} Short-haul carriers were each restricted to one of five regions, and could not compete directly with Air Canada and CP Air. CP Air was subject to capacity limits on intercontinental flights, and restricted from domestic operations. Air Canada's fares were also subject to regulation by the government.

File:Boeing 767-233, Air Canada AN0201046.jpg in the 1964-1992 livery]]

In 1976, with reorganization at CNR, Air Canada became an independent Crown corporation. The Air Canada Act of 1978 ensured that the carrier would compete on a more equal footing with rival regional airlines and CP Air, and ended the government's direct regulatory control over Air Canada's routings, fares, and services. The act also transferred ownership from Canadian National Railway to a subsidiary of the national government. Deregulation of the Canadian airline market, under the new National Transportation Act, 1987 officially opened the airline market in Canada to equal competition.{{cite web | work=The Canadian Airline Industry | date=14 November 2002 | first1=John | last1=Christopher | first2=Joseph P. | last2=Dion | url=http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/892-e.htm | access-date=4 April 2009 | title=Issue Definition | publisher=Government of Canada / Depository Services Program | archive-date=11 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211130147/http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/892-e.htm | url-status=live }} The carrier's fleet expansion saw the acquisition of Boeing 727, Boeing 747, and Lockheed Tristar jetliners. In 1978 Judy Cameron became the first female pilot hired to fly for any major Canadian carrier when she was hired to fly by Air Canada.{{cite web |date= |title=Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship |url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-responsibility/captain-judy-cameron-scholarship.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141002/http://tgblogsite.com/captaincraig/?tag=flight-training-organization&paged=4 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=2024-01-31 |publisher=Air Canada}}

With new fleet expenditures outpacing earnings, Air Canada officials indicated that the carrier would need additional sources of capital to fund its modernization. By 1985 the Canadian government was indicating a willingness to privatize both Canadian National Railways and Air Canada. In 1988, Air Canada was privatized, and 43% of shares were sold on the public market, with the initial public offering completed in October of that year. By this time, long-haul rival CP Air had become Canadian Airlines International following its acquisition by Pacific Western Airlines.

On 7 December 1987, Air Canada became the first airline in the world with a fleet-wide non-smoking policy,{{cite web | title=Air Canada Innovations | publisher=Air Canada | url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/innovations.html | access-date=24 May 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090430030117/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/innovations.html| archive-date= 30 April 2009 | url-status= live}} and in 1989 became completely privatized. The successful privatization program was led by the President and CEO, Pierre J. Jeanniot. The associated extensive communication activities were aided by the Non-Executive Chairman, Claude I. Taylor.

File:Star Alliance (Air Canada) Airbus A340-313 C-FYLD (23761975652).jpg in Star Alliance livery, 1997. Air Canada was a founding member of the airline alliance, established in 1997.]]

In the early 1990s, Air Canada encountered financial difficulties as the airline industry slumped in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War. In response, the airline restructured management by hiring former Delta Air Lines executive Hollis L. Harris as its CEO. Harris restructured the airline's operations, reduced management positions, moved the corporate headquarters to Dorval Airport, and sold the enRoute card business to Diners Club in 1992.{{cite news | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CEED8163BF934A15750C0A964958260 | title=Air Canada Sells Credit Card Unit | newspaper=The New York Times | access-date=24 May 2009 | date=27 March 1992 | archive-date=14 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214131629/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CEED8163BF934A15750C0A964958260 | url-status=live }} By 1994, Air Canada returned to profitability. The same year also saw the carrier winning route access to fly from Canada to the new Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan.

In 1995, taking advantage of a new US-Canada open skies agreement, Air Canada added 30 new trans-border routes. In May 1997, Air Canada became a founding member of the Star Alliance, with the airline launching codeshares with several of the alliance's members. The second half of the 1990s saw the airline earn consistent profits, totalling $1 billion for the 1997 to 1999 period.

On 2 September 1998, pilots for Air Canada launched the company's first pilots' strike,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011771 |title=Air Canada Strike Settled |magazine=Maclean's |access-date=24 May 2009 |date=21 September 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213214148/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011771 |archive-date=13 February 2009 }} demanding higher wages. At the end of 1999, the Canadian government relaxed some aviation regulations, aiming to consolidate the Canadian airline industry. That year, American Airlines in conjunction with Canadian financial company Onex Corp, launched takeover bids for ailing rival Canadian Airlines and Air Canada, spurring Air Canada to submit a competing offer for its largest rival.

File:Canadian Airlines Boeing 737-275; C-GEPW@MIA, February 2000 CYG (6351375046).jpg with a hybrid Air Canada-Canadian Airlines International livery. The latter airline was acquired by Air Canada in 2001.]]

In January 2000, Air Canada acquired Canada's second-largest air carrier, Canadian Airlines International, merging the latter's operations, becoming the world's twelfth-largest airline in the first decade of the 21st century. As Air Canada gained access to its former rival's financial statements, officials learned that the carrier was in worse financial shape than was previously believed. An expedited merger strategy was pursued, but in summer 2000 integration efforts led to flight delays, luggage problems and other frustrations. Service improved following Air Canada officials' pledge to do so by January 2001. The airline was confronted by the global aviation market downturn and increased competition, posting back-to-back losses in 2001 and 2002.

As Air Canada had employed a scorched earth policy to prevent the Onex proposed acquisition as one of its lines of defense, it had burdened itself with onerous contracts with almost all of its suppliers. As a result, on 1 April 2003, Air Canada filed for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act; it emerged from this protection on 30 September 2004, 18 months later. During the period of bankruptcy protection, the company was subject to two competing bids from Cerberus Capital Management and Victor Li. The Cerberus bid would have seen former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney installed as chairman, being recruited by Cerberus' international advisory board chair Dan Quayle, the former vice-president of the United States. Cerberus was rejected because it had a reputation of changing existing employee pension agreements, a move strongly opposed by the CAW. At first, Air Canada selected Victor Li's Trinity Time Investments, which initially asked for a board veto and the chairmanship in return for investing $650 million in the airline. Li, who holds dual citizenship from Canada and Hong Kong, later demanded changes to the pension plan (which was not in his original takeover bid), but since the unions refused to budge, the bid was withdrawn.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-04-05-air-canada_x.htm |title=Air Canada unions dig in, rescue deal seen at risk |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=5 April 2004 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=27 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427121930/http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-04-05-air-canada_x.htm |url-status=live }}

Finally, Deutsche Bank unveiled an $850 million financing package for Air Canada, if it would cut $200 million in annual costs in addition to the $1.1 billion that the unions agreed on in 2003. The offer was accepted after last-minute talks between CEO Robert Milton and CAW president Buzz Hargrove resulted in union concessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-faces-deadline-on-deutsche-bank-deal-1.492087|title=Air Canada faces deadline on Deutsche Bank deal|date=14 May 2004|publisher=CBC News|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128065553/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-faces-deadline-on-deutsche-bank-deal-1.492087|url-status=live}}{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/air-canada | title=Air Canada | encyclopedia=The Canadian Encyclopedia | access-date=28 November 2021 | first=Sasha | last=Yusufali | archive-date=28 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128065551/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/air-canada | url-status=live }}

ACE Aviation Holdings became the new parent company under which the reorganized Air Canada was held.{{cite web |url=http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/index.html |title=ACE Aviation |publisher=ACE Aviation |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707080351/http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/index.html |url-status=live }}

In October 2004, Canadian singer Celine Dion became the face of Air Canada, hoping to relaunch the airline and draw in a more international market after 18 months of bankruptcy protection. She recorded her single, "You and I", which subsequently appeared in several Air Canada commercials.{{cite web|author=Renée Alexander |url=http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2006/id20060510_847981.htm?chan=innovation_branding_top+stories |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614200720/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2006/id20060510_847981.htm?chan=innovation_branding_top+stories |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 June 2006 |title=WestJet Airlines – High Times |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=10 May 2006 |access-date=21 February 2011}}

File:C-GHPV Air Canada B788 FRA (33882313988).jpg in the 'Frosted Leaf' livery at Frankfurt Airport. In 2005, the airline ordered a number of Boeing 787-8s.]]

On 31 October 2004, the last Air Canada Boeing 747 flight landed in Toronto from Frankfurt as AC873, ending 33 years of 747 service with the airline. The Boeing 747-400 fleet was replaced by the Airbus A340 fleet.[http://www.aircanada.com/en/onair/december/aviation.html Aviation giant retires – onAir, December 2004, aircanada.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204072114/http://www.aircanada.com/en/onair/december/aviation.html |date=4 February 2016 }} Date accessed: 6 November 2008 On 19 October 2004, Air Canada unveiled a new aircraft colour scheme and uniforms. A Boeing 767-300ER was painted in the new silver-blue colour, and the dark green/almost black tail was replaced with a new version of the maple leaf known as the 'Frosted Leaf'.[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-canada-unveils-new-look-and-leading-edge-in-flight-enhancements-canadian-superstar-celine-dion-joins-employees-to-launch-new-era-for-nations-flag-carrier-74402422.html Air Canada unveils New Look and Leading Edge In-Flight Enhancements, Canadian Superstar Celine Dion joins Employees to Launch New era for Nation's Flag Carrier, prnewswire.com, 19 October 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107124535/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-canada-unveils-new-look-and-leading-edge-in-flight-enhancements-canadian-superstar-celine-dion-joins-employees-to-launch-new-era-for-nations-flag-carrier-74402422.html |date=7 November 2014 }} Date accessed: 23 May 2014

On 9 November 2005, Air Canada agreed to renew its widebody fleet by purchasing 16 Boeing 777s (10 -300ERs, 6 -200LRs), and 14 Boeing 787-8s. It placed options on 18 Boeing 777s and 46 Boeing 787-8s and -9s.[http://www.sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=13&issuerNo=00020954&fileName=/csfsprod/data63/filings/00880502/00000001/x%3A%5CSedar%5C2006%5CACEAviation%5C18jan%5CAIRCANADA.pdf Download SEDAR Filings - 4 November 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403122734/http://www.sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=13&issuerNo=00020954&fileName=/csfsprod/data63/filings/00880502/00000001/x%3A%5CSedar%5C2006%5CACEAviation%5C18jan%5CAIRCANADA.pdf |date=3 April 2015 }} Date accessed: 20 October 2008 Deliveries of the 777s began in March 2007 and deliveries of the 787s began in May 2014.{{Cite web |url=http://globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com/2014/05/boeing-delivers-air-canadas-first-787.html |title=Boeing Delivers Air Canada's First 787 Dreamliner |access-date=16 May 2014 |date=16 May 2016 |last=Gigacz |first=Oliver |work=Global Aviation Express |archive-date=17 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121702/http://globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com/2014/05/boeing-delivers-air-canadas-first-787.html |url-status=live }}

On 24 April 2007, Air Canada exercised half of its options for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The firm order for the Dreamliners then stood at 37 plus 23 options, for a total of 60. The airline also cancelled orders for two Boeing 777Fs. In November 2007, Air Canada leased an additional Boeing 777-300ER.{{cite news |date=25 April 2007 |title=Boeing, Air Canada Announce 23 Additional 787 Dreamliners |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-04-25-Boeing-Air-Canada-Announce-23-Additional-787-Dreamliners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119015327/http://boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070425c_nr.html |archive-date=19 January 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=Boeing}}Air Canada – Our Fleet 24 August 2009 [http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ aircanada.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015083113/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ |date=15 October 2016 }} Date accessed: 24 August 2009

Started in July 2006 and since completed, Project XM: Extreme Makeover, was a $300 million aircraft interior replacement project to install new cabins on all aircraft. New aircraft such as the Boeing 777 were delivered with the new cabins factory installed.{{Cite web |last=Jang |first=Brent |date=December 26, 2006 |title=Air Canada embarks on Extreme Makeover |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/air-canada-embarks-on-extreme-makeover/article4113859/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014004004/http://www.globelink.ca/industry/travel/article.asp?id=22 |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=The Globe and Mail}}

New cabin features included:[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ Air Canada/Air Canada Jazz fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015083113/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ |date=15 October 2016 }} Date accessed: 18 February 2009[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naecono.html Cabin Comfort – Economy Class – North America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217094940/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naecono.html |date=17 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intecono.html Cabin Comfort – Economy Class – International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913044007/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intecono.html |date=13 September 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naexec.html Cabin Comfort – Business Class – North America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217094946/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naexec.html |date=17 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intexec.html Cabin Comfort – International Business Class] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104054348/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intexec.html |date=4 November 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013

• In Executive First, new horizontal fully flat Executive First Suites (on Boeing 767s, Boeing 777s, and Airbus A330s).
• New seats in all classes on all aircraft, with new entertainment options.
• Personal AVOD ({{convert|8.9|in|disp=or|abbr=on}} touchscreen LCD) in Economy class (domestic and international) and Executive Class (domestic).
• Larger AVOD ({{convert|12|in|disp=or|abbr=on}} touchscreen LCD) equipped with noise-cancelling Sennheiser headphones available in Executive First Suites.
• Interactive games at all seats in Executive and Economy; XM Radio Canada available at every seat.
• USB ports to recharge electronic devices and for game controllers at all seats; 120 VAC plugs in most seats;
• In Economy (2 per triple) (1 per double) (3 per quad).
• In First Class/Executive (All seats)

High fuel prices and the Great Recession caused Air Canada significant financial difficulties in the late 2000s. In June 2008, the airline announced it would lay off over 2,000 employees and cut its capacity by 7 percent by the first quarter of 2009.{{cite news|date=17 June 2008|title=Air Canada cutting 2,000 jobs, trimming capacity|language=en-CA|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-cutting-2-000-jobs-trimming-capacity-1.699586|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301233013/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-cutting-2-000-jobs-trimming-capacity-1.699586|url-status=live}} President and CEO Montie Brewer expressed confidence that the airline would weather the economic downturn.{{cite news|last=Deveau|first=Scott|date=24 November 2008|title=Brewer handling Air Canada obstacles; CEO confident carrier has troubles in hand|work=Financial Post|publisher=Postmedia|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/330796242|access-date=1 December 2020|id={{ProQuest|330796242}}|via=ProQuest|archive-date=2 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402015027/https://www.proquest.com/docview/330796242|url-status=live}}

File:Calin Rovinescu 2015.jpg in 2015. Rovinescu served as the CEO of Air Canada from 2009 to 2021.]]

Brewer resigned on 30 March 2009 and was replaced by Calin Rovinescu on 1 April.{{cite news|last1=Jang|first1=Brent|title=Brewer resigns as Air Canada Chief|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/brewer-resigns-as-air-canada-chief/article1156460/|access-date=25 January 2015|newspaper=Globe and Mail|date=31 March 2009|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403113933/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/brewer-resigns-as-air-canada-chief/article1156460/|url-status=live}} Rovinescu became the first Canadian President since Claude Taylor in 1992. Rovinescu, reported to be "an enforcer", was Air Canada's chief restructuring officer during its 2003 bankruptcy; he resigned that year after unions rejected his demands.{{cite news |first= |date=31 March 2009 |title=Air Canada drafts an enforcer |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/streetwise/air-canada-drafts-an-enforcer/article782633/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403195305/http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090331.WBstreetwise20090331084002/WBStory/WBstreetwise |archive-date=3 April 2009 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |publisher=}}

Air Canada's contracts with four unions also expired around this time. The airline stated that its $2.85 billion pension shortfall (which grew from $1.2 billion in 2007) was a "liquidity risk" in its first-quarter report, and it required new financing and pension "relief" to conserve cash for 2010 operations. The company was obligated to pay $650 million into the pension fund but it suffered a 2009 Q1 loss of $400 million, so it requested a moratorium on its pension payments in 2009. The unions had insisted on financial guarantees before agreeing on a deal. Rejecting union calls for a direct bailout of the company, federal finance minister Jim Flaherty instead appointed retired judge James Farley to mediate pension issues between the company, the unions representing its employees, and retirees. Farley had presided over the company's 2003 bankruptcy.{{cite news |date=4 June 2009 |title=Flaherty appoints ex-judge to mediate Air Canada pension issues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/flaherty-appoints-ex-judge-to-mediate-air-canada-pension-issues-1.823961 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607095926/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/04/air-canada-pension.html |archive-date=7 June 2009 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=CBC News |publisher=}}

In July 2009, Air Canada requested and received CA$1 billion in financial aid from a consortium of entities, including the Canadian government, ACE, and associate company Aeroplan. The Centre for Aviation reported that only CA$600 million was actually loaned to Air Canada; the rest of the money was from sale-leaseback accounting and "aggregating an array of biscuit-tin savings".{{Cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/air-canada-bailout-buys-time---but-canada-inc-sells-out-to-forces-of-protectionism-8958|title=Air Canada bailout buys time - but Canada Inc sells out to forces of protectionism|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601023142/https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/air-canada-bailout-buys-time---but-canada-inc-sells-out-to-forces-of-protectionism-8958|url-status=live}}

In December 2010, ACE sold 44 million Air Canada shares,{{cite web | url=http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/documents/ACE_history.pdf | title=ACE History and Background | date=January 2011 | publisher=ACE Aviation | access-date=14 March 2019 | archive-date=28 August 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828172808/http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/documents/ACE_history.pdf | url-status=live }} followed by the remaining 31 million shares in November 2012 to Cormark Securities Inc.{{cite web|url=http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=2011147913&view=65938-0&Start=10&htm=0|title=ACE Aviation|access-date=24 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904124905/http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=2011147913&view=65938-0&Start=10&htm=0|archive-date=4 September 2015}}

File:Air Canada 2017 new livery - Airbus A321-211.jpg in February 2017 with an Airbus A321]]

On 9 February 2017, a new retro red and black aircraft livery was launched, to coincide with Air Canada's 80th anniversary and Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. The update includes design aspects from the logo used between 1964 and 1992, with an overall white colour scheme, with a black underside, tail fin with red maple leaf rondelle, black "Air Canada" lettering with a red maple leaf rondelle underneath, and a black "mask" surrounding the cockpit windows.{{cite web|title=Our Nation's Carrier|url=https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/aircanada/portal/documents/PDF/media/livery/illustrative_guide_en.pdf#page=6|publisher=Air Canada|access-date=5 November 2017|date=2017|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155053/https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/aircanada/portal/documents/PDF/media/livery/illustrative_guide_en.pdf#page=6|url-status=live}}

File:C-GJXN of Air Canada.jpg at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, 2020]]

In December 2013, Air Canada ordered 61 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle narrow body aircraft to replace its existing fleet of Airbus A320 series aircraft with the first MAX 8 variant delivered on 2 November 2017.{{cite news |title=Air Canada orders 61 Boeing 737 MAX jets |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-orders-61-boeing-737-max-jets-1.2460560 |access-date=15 May 2020 |date=11 December 2013 |archive-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902040315/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-orders-61-boeing-737-max-jets-1.2460560 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.skiesmag.com/news/air-canada-takes-first-boeing-737-max/|last=Cline|first=Andy|date=2 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|title=Air Canada takes its first Boeing 737 MAX|work=Skies Mag|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015537/https://www.skiesmag.com/news/air-canada-takes-first-boeing-737-max/|url-status=live}} Some Airbus A319s will be transferred to Air Canada's Rouge subsidiary, with the remaining fleet retired. As part of the deal, Boeing purchased 25 Embraer E190s from Air Canada that were retired in 2016. The same year, Air Canada signed an agreement with Bombardier Aerospace to replace the E190s with Airbus A220/CSeries aircraft from 2019.{{cite press release|url=https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2016-02-17-Air-Canada-to-Purchase-Bombardier-C-Series-as-Part-of-its-Fleet-Renewal-Program|title=Air Canada to Purchase Bombardier C Series as Part of its Fleet Renewal Program|date=17 February 2016|access-date=17 July 2019|work=Air Canada|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708132710/https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2016-02-17-Air-Canada-to-Purchase-Bombardier-C-Series-as-Part-of-its-Fleet-Renewal-Program|url-status=live}}

In July 2017, Air Canada reintroduced Premium Economy on its North American wide-body flights.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/20170609|title=Air Canada Travel News and Updates|website=www.aircanada.com|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731233409/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/20170609|url-status=live}}

In April 2018, Air Canada rebranded its international business class cabin as Air Canada Signature Class.{{cite web | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/onboard/cabin-features/signature-service.html?icid=ac%7Cachome%7Csignature%7Ccaen%7C180417%7Cbnr | title=Air Canada Signature Service | publisher=Air Canada | access-date=9 July 2019 | archive-date=25 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725010609/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/onboard/cabin-features/signature-service.html?icid=ac%7Cachome%7Csignature%7Ccaen%7C180417%7Cbnr | url-status=live }} Passengers could expect an enhanced menu, including the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail, as well as new amenity kits, a chauffeur service (using BMW vehicles) at its hubs during domestic to international connections, and access to the Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport. On select North American routes, Air Canada Signature Service is offered on widebody aircraft.

In May 2018, Air Canada listed Taiwan as part of China to comply with a requirement of China's civil aviation administration.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2018/05/18/taiwanese-community-upset-as-air-canada-caves-to-demand-to-list-the-territory-as-part-of-china.html|title=Air Canada move to list Taiwan as part of China sees backlash, threat of boycot|work=thestar.com|access-date=12 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142421/https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2018/05/18/taiwanese-community-upset-as-air-canada-caves-to-demand-to-list-the-territory-as-part-of-china.html|url-status=live}} On 6 June 2018, Air Canada and Air China signed a joint venture, the first joint venture between a North American and Chinese airline.{{cite news |title=Air Canada, Air China sign agreement to boost co-operation on Canada-China flights |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4256217/air-canada-air-china-agreement/ |date=6 June 2018 |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Global News |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807010146/https://globalnews.ca/news/4256217/air-canada-air-china-agreement/ |url-status=live }}

On 16 May 2019, Air Canada announced it was in exclusive talks to buy Transat A.T., the parent company that owns Air Transat, for CA$520 million.{{cite news| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5138180| title = Air Canada in exclusive talks to buy Air Transat| date = 16 May 2019| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 20 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2024-07-13 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240713051423/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5138180| url-status = live}}

On 27 June 2019, Transat A.T. agreed to be purchased by Air Canada for CA$13 per share. On 11 August 2019, Air Canada raised the purchase price of Transat A.T. to CA$18 per share. The overall value of the deal was now $720 million. On 23 August 2019, 95% of Transat A.T. shareholders approved the acquisition by Air Canada on that basis. The agreement was revised downwards in October 2020 to CA$5 per share, reflecting the challenges posed to the airline industry by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5760154| title = Air Canada agrees to still take over Air Transat, but for much lower price| last = Evans| first = Pete| date = 13 Oct 2020| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 28 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2020-11-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201122100059/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5760154| url-status = live}}

The plan was "expected to face intense scrutiny from the Competition Bureau and other regulatory authorities, including in Europe", according to CBC News.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-transat-shareholders-approve-sale-air-canada-1.5257276|title=Transat shareholders approve Air Canada takeover, deal now in regulators' hands|date=23 August 2019|website=CBC|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825185229/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-transat-shareholders-approve-sale-air-canada-1.5257276|url-status=live}} While the Government of Canada approved the takeover on 11 February 2021,{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-air-canada-transat-1.5911340| title = Federal government approves Air Canada purchase of Transat A.T. Inc.| last1 = Zimonjic| first1 = Peter| last2 = Burke| first2 = Ashley| date = 11 Feb 2021| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 28 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2024-02-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240217022026/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-air-canada-transat-1.5911340| url-status = live}} it was dropped in April 2021 following a failure to secure European Commission approval.{{cite news|date=2 April 2021|title=Air Canada Drops Transat Takeover After Battle With Europe|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-02/air-canada-cancels-takeover-of-transat-after-battle-with-europe|access-date=3 April 2021|archive-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402164905/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-02/air-canada-cancels-takeover-of-transat-after-battle-with-europe|url-status=live}}

Travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced Air Canada to heavily restrict service. On 18 March 2020, the airline announced it would suspend most of its flights by 31 March.{{cite news|last=Atkins|first=Eric|date=18 March 2020|title=Air Canada to gradually suspend most U.S., international flights by March 31|work=The Globe and Mail|publisher=The Woodbridge Company|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-transat-starts-suspending-flights-laying-off-workers-as-virus-closes/|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112005151/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-transat-starts-suspending-flights-laying-off-workers-as-virus-closes/|url-status=live}} Service began to return to normal on 22 May, with flights to more cities being added over the summer.{{Cite web|date=22 May 2020|title=Air Canada Announces New Schedule Offering Customers Wide Choice of Destinations for Safe Travel this Summer and Expands Goodwill Policy|url=https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2020-05-22-Air-Canada-Announces-New-Schedule-Offering-Customers-Wide-Choice-of-Destinations-for-Safe-Travel-this-Summer-and-Expands-Goodwill-Policy|access-date=1 December 2020|language=en-CA|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129220506/https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2020-05-22-Air-Canada-Announces-New-Schedule-Offering-Customers-Wide-Choice-of-Destinations-for-Safe-Travel-this-Summer-and-Expands-Goodwill-Policy|url-status=live}} In its first quarterly financial report, Air Canada announced it had lost CA$1.05 billion, compared to a profit of CA$345 million in Q1 2019.{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-financial-results-1.5554267| title = Air Canada reports $1.05B first-quarter loss due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic {{!}} CBC News| access-date = 15 July 2020| archive-date = 30 June 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200630225853/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-financial-results-1.5554267| url-status = live}} The airline similarly suffered in the third quarter, reporting a loss of CA$685 million. It stated capacity in the fourth quarter of the 2020 fiscal year would be 75 percent lower than the previous year.{{Cite web|date=9 November 2020|title=Air Canada reports $685M loss in third quarter amid COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7450984/air-canada-profits-plunge-coronavirus/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Global News|publisher=Corus Entertainment|language=en-US|archive-date=10 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110002901/https://globalnews.ca/news/7450984/air-canada-profits-plunge-coronavirus/|url-status=live}} In June 2022, after the provincial governments across the country began lifting pandemic-era restrictions, Air Canada announced it was cancelling over 150 daily flights in the summer due to unprecedented and unexpected pressure in the aviation industry.{{Cite news |title=Air Canada cancels 154 flights a day this summer amid 'unprecedented and unforeseen strains' |url=https://financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/air-canada-cancels-154-flights-a-day-this-summer-amid-unprecedented-and-unforeseen-strains |website=Financial Post |date=4 July 2022 |last1=Bharti |first1=Bianca |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701075057/https://financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/air-canada-cancels-154-flights-a-day-this-summer-amid-unprecedented-and-unforeseen-strains |url-status=live }}

In April 2021, the Government of Canada acquired 6.4% of Air Canada as a part of a $5.9 billion COVID-19 related assistance package, and has not ruled out further investment.{{Cite web|title=Will the $5.9 Billion Bailout Save Air Canada (TSX:AC) From COVID-19?|url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-9-billion-bailout-save-121742271.html|access-date=22 April 2021|website=ca.finance.yahoo.com|date=20 April 2021 |language=en-CA|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422172002/https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-9-billion-bailout-save-121742271.html|url-status=live}}

In September 2022, Air Canada welcomed the Government of Canada's decision to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including requirements for wearing masks on aircraft, testing and quarantine, and the compulsory use of ArriveCAN beginning 1 October 2022 and noted that the measures were not justified by science.{{Cite web|url=https://mraircanada.mediaroom.com/2022-09-26-Air-Canada-Welcomes-Government-of-Canada-Decision-to-Lift-Mask,-Testing-and-ArriveCan-Requirements|title=Air Canada Welcomes Government of Canada Decision to Lift Mask, Testing and ArriveCan Requirements|website=Air Canada|access-date=2023-07-29 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816163626/https://mraircanada.mediaroom.com/2022-09-26-Air-Canada-Welcomes-Government-of-Canada-Decision-to-Lift-Mask,-Testing-and-ArriveCan-Requirements|url-status=live}}

Air Canada had been loss-making for several years, but was profitable from 2012;{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2012 |url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/documents/2012_ar.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101231117/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/documents/2012_ar.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2013 |access-date=24 May 2013 |publisher=Air Canada}} however, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was again loss-making in 2020. The key trends for the Air Canada group, including Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge, are (years ending 31 December):{{Cite web |title=Air Canada - Annual Reports |url=https://aircanada.investorroom.com/index.php?s= |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Air Canada - Investor Relations |language=en-CA |archive-date=2024-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813111737/https://aircanada.investorroom.com/index.php?s= |url-status=live }}

Air Canada became fully privatized in 1989,{{Cite news|url=https://business.financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/airline-competition-canada|title=Airline competition finally taking off in Canada, but barriers keep passengers' options limited {{!}} Financial Post|last1=Transportation|last2=Airlines|newspaper=Financial Post|date=25 July 2018|language=en-CA|access-date=6 January 2020|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202064303/https://business.financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/airline-competition-canada|url-status=live}} and its variable voting shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:AC), and, since 29 July 2016, on OTCQX International Premier in the US under the single ticker symbol "ACDVF".{{cite web | work = Air Canada | date = May 2023 | title = Corporate Profile | access-date = 12 October 2023 | url = https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-profile.html | archive-date = 2022-10-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221009133930/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-profile.html | url-status = live }} As of April 2021, the Government of Canada owns approximately 6.4% of Air Canada.

Currently, the Air Canada Public Participation Act (ACPPA) limits ownership of Air Canada's voting interests by non-residents of Canada to a maximum of 25%. The Canada Transportation Act (CTA) also requires that Canadians own and control at least 75% of the voting interests of licensed Canadian carriers. Accordingly, Air Canada's articles contain restrictions to ensure that it remains "Canadian" as defined under the CTA.

Prior to 1976, Air Canada was a department of the Canadian National Railway (CNR), helmed by a department head who reported to the President of CNR. Since 1976, the following have been CEO and President:

{{col div}}

• 1976–1984: Claude Taylor (accountant; former Air Canada reservation agent and executive)
• 1984–1990: Pierre Jeanniot (former Overhaul Research Technician and Air Canada executive)
• 1990–1992: Claude Taylor
• 1992–1996: Hollis L. Harris (World Airways CEO 2001–04, Continental CEO and President, 1990–92, President of Delta)
• 1996–1999: R. Lamar Durrett (former executive with Delta, Continental and System One)
• 1999–2004: Robert Milton (founding partner of Air Eagle Holdings Incorporated)
• 2004–2009: Montie Brewer (former United Airlines executive)
• 2009{{snd}}February 2021: Calin Rovinescu{{cite web |url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/bio/Rovinescu.html |title=Executive Biographies |publisher=aircanada.com |date=24 November 2008 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=12 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212065134/http://aircanada.com/en/about/media/bio/Rovinescu.html |url-status=live }}
• February 2021{{snd}}present: Michael Rousseau

{{col div end}}

File:Air Canada HQ.jpg serves as the airline's headquarters.]]

By federal law (Air Canada Public Participation Act), Air Canada is obligated to keep its head office in Montreal.{{cite web |url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/LegislativeSummaries/bills_ls.asp?ls=c29&source=library_prb&Parl=39&Ses=1&Language=E |title=Bill C-29: An Act to amend the Air Canada Public Participation Act (LS-536E) |publisher=Parl.gc.ca |access-date=23 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402222932/http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/LegislativeSummaries/bills_ls.asp?ls=c29&source=library_prb&Parl=39&Ses=1&Language=E |archive-date=2 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Air Canada Public Participation Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. 35 (4th Supp.))|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-10.1/index.html|website=Justice Laws Website|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=19 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519044355/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-10.1/index.html|url-status=live}} Its corporate headquarters is Air Canada Centre"[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/contacts.html Investors Contacts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204072053/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/contacts.html |date=4 February 2016 }}." Air Canada. Retrieved on 4 December 2010. "Air Canada Centre, 7373 Côte-Vertu Blvd. West Saint-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1Z3." (French: Centre Air Canada"[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/contacts.html Coordonnées – Investisseurs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204072053/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/contacts.html |date=4 February 2016 }}." Air Canada. Retrieved on 4 December 2010. "Centre Air Canada, 7373 boul. Côte-Vertu Ouest Saint-Laurent (Québec) H4S 1Z3."), also known as La Rondelle ("The Puck" in French),{{cite news | last=Israelson | first=David | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/6588772.html?dids=6588772:6588772&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+11%2C+1994&author=Israelson%2C+David&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Companies+eye+exits+in+case+of+separation&pqatl=google | title=Companies eye exits in case of separation | newspaper=Toronto Star | date=11 September 1994 | access-date=23 September 2009 | archive-date=22 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022205733/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/6588772.html?dids=6588772:6588772&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+11,+1994&author=Israelson,+David&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Companies+eye+exits+in+case+of+separation&pqatl=google | url-status=dead }} a 7-storey building located on the grounds of Montréal–Trudeau International Airport in Saint-Laurent."[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/career/about_faq.html FAQs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508212752/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/career/about_faq.html |date=8 May 2015 }}." Air Canada. Retrieved on 4 December 2010. "Our headquarters are located at 7373 Boulevard Côte-Vertu Ouest, Dorval, Quebec."

In 1975, Air Canada was headquartered at 1 Place Ville-Marie in Montreal.{{cite book | title=World Airline Directory | publisher=Flight International | access-date=24 May 2009 | date=20 March 1975 | url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200529.html | page=465 | archive-date=3 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103225806/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200529.html | url-status=live }}

In 1990, the airline moved its headquarters to the airport to cut costs."[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/472274081.html?dids=472274081:472274081&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+10%2C+1990&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Air+Canada+layoffs+blamed+on+free+trade&pqatl=google Air Canada layoffs blamed on free trade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401231901/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/472274081.html?dids=472274081:472274081&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+10%2C+1990&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Air+Canada+layoffs+blamed+on+free+trade&pqatl=google |date=1 April 2013 }}." Toronto Star. 10 October 1990. A1. Retrieved on 23 September 2009.

Air Canada's Operations Centre is located in Brampton, Ontario, and oversees all flight operations including dispatching and crew scheduling. It has an off-site disaster recovery site and is typically unused.{{Cite web |title=Air Canada Foundation - Humanitarian Support |url=https://www.aircanada.com/en/about/community/foundation/our-programs/humanitarian-support.html |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.aircanada.com |language=en-ca}}

Air Canada Cargo is the company's freight carrying division based at Toronto-Pearson, offering more than 150 shipping destinations through the Air Canada airline network, ground logistics and airline partners.{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6389119_ITM |title=Air Canada Cargo profile |publisher=Accessmylibrary.com |date=1 October 1996 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021140851/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6389119_ITM |url-status=live }} Its route network has focused on European destinations through Eastern Canada departure points, along with direct services from Vancouver and Calgary to Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Zurich.

In Toronto, a new cargo terminal was completed in early 2002 which featured modernised inventory and conveyor systems.{{cite web|url=http://www.aircanada.jp/news/jpen-20020128.pdf |access-date=26 May 2009 |title=Air Canada opens modern new cargo terminal at Toronto hub |date=28 January 2002 |publisher=Air Canada |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917114445/http://aircanada.jp/news/jpen-20020128.pdf |archive-date=17 September 2010 }} Cargo terminals are also found in Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

On 17 April 2023, a grand theft occurred at the Air Canada cargo terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport. A container containing gold bars and currency valued at over C$20 million was stolen. Two Air Canada employees allegedly participated in this theft.{{Cite news |last=Powers |first=Lucas |date=2024-04-17 |title=Multiple arrests, 19 charges laid in $22.5M Pearson gold heist |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pearson-airport-heist-arrests-1.7176041 |access-date=2024-04-17 |work=CBC News |archive-date=2024-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417113819/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pearson-airport-heist-arrests-1.7176041 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Air Canada Express}}

File:Air Canada Express - Embraer E175 - C-FXJC (Quintin Soloviev).jpg is a subsidiary of Air Canada.]]

Air Canada Express is the brand name of Air Canada's regional feeder service operated by independent carriers Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines.{{cite web |url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/offers/aeroplan/aeroplan/aeroplan.html |title=Aeroplane Miles earned partners |publisher=Aircanada.com |date=16 June 2010 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606111734/http://www.aircanada.com/en/offers/aeroplan/aeroplan/aeroplan.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Air Canada Jetz}}

Launched in 2002, Air Canada Jetz is a charter service targeting sports teams, professional entertainers, and corporations. The Air Canada Jetz fleet consists of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft in an all business class configuration.[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/jetz/index.html Air Canada Jetz – About Us, aircanada.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016074513/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/jetz/index.html |date=16 October 2008 }} Date accessed: 17 May 2014 In February 2014, Air Canada decided to leave the sports charter business.{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/Senators+look+ride+road+games+Canada+exits+charter+business/9517466/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140617025106/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Senators+look+ride+road+games+Canada+exits+charter+business/9517466/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2014|title=ottawacitizen.com – Senators look for a new ride to road games as Air Canada exits charter business}} However, on 17 March 2015, Air Canada announced an agreement with several NHL teams to provide charter services under the Air Canada Jetz brand for six years starting from the 2015–2016 NHL season.{{cite web|title=Air Canada to Carry Canada's Top Professional Hockey Teams|url=http://aircanada.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=862|website=Air Canada Media Centre|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102354/http://aircanada.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=862|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Air Canada Rouge}}

File:AirCanadaRougeA320ceoC-GFCI YYJJuly2019.jpg is a subsidiary of Air Canada.]]

Launched in December 2012, Air Canada Rouge is a subsidiary of Air Canada. Air Canada Rouge serves predominantly leisure destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Mexico and the United States{{Cite web|url=http://www.dkg-online.de/2016/10/11/neue-direktverbindung-berlin-toronto-ab-sommer-2017/|title=Neue Direktverbindung Berlin-Toronto ab Sommer 2017|website=Deutsch-Kanadische Gesellschaft |access-date=26 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612153256/http://www.dkg-online.de/2016/10/11/neue-direktverbindung-berlin-toronto-ab-sommer-2017/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}} using Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321.{{cite web |url=http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/ccarcs-riacc/RchSimpRes.aspx?cn=%7c%7c&mn=%7c%7c&sn=%7c%7c&on=%7cAIR+CANADA+ROUGE%7c&m=%7c%7c&print=y |title=Canadian Civil Aircraft Register |date=28 August 2013 |publisher=Transport Canada |access-date=4 October 2017 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929045517/http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/ccarcs-riacc/RchSimpRes.aspx?cn=%7C%7C&mn=%7C%7C&sn=%7C%7C&on=%7CAIR+CANADA+ROUGE%7C&m=%7C%7C&print=y |url-status=live }} Air Canada Rouge's former routes to Asia, Europe, and South America were cancelled after the retirement of its Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Air Canada Vacations is Air Canada's tour operator. All packages include accommodation, Aeroplan Miles and roundtrip airfare aboard Air Canada and/or its Star Alliance partners.

Air Canada Vacations offers Executive Class service on select flights, nonstop flights from major Canadian cities and daily flights to many destinations.[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/documents/2007_FSN_q4.pdf Air Canada – Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 2007 -subsidiaries p.7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204150041/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/investor/documents/2007_FSN_q4.pdf |date=4 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 5 November 2008[http://www.aircanadavacations.com/en/about_air_canada_vacations Air Canada Vacations – About Us, aircanadavacations.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208172822/http://www.aircanadavacations.com/en/about_air_canada_vacations |date=8 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 31 October 2008

{{Main|Aeroplan}}

Aeroplan is Air Canada's loyalty marketing program operated by Groupe Aeroplan Inc., which was spun off from Air Canada in 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/business_agriculture/story.html?id=a5c080bb-7699-4fd1-a7ab-7ff7b9c2925b |title=ACE to spin off unit |publisher=Canada.com |date=10 February 2007 |access-date=21 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604105756/http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/business_agriculture/story.html?id=a5c080bb-7699-4fd1-a7ab-7ff7b9c2925b |archive-date=4 June 2011 }} Air Canada re-purchased Aeroplan from Aimia Inc in January 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2019-01-10-Air-Canada-Completes-Acquisition-of-Aeroplan-Loyalty-Business|title=Air Canada Completes Acquisition of Aeroplan Loyalty Business|date=14 January 2019|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115181953/https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2019-01-10-Air-Canada-Completes-Acquisition-of-Aeroplan-Loyalty-Business|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Air Canada Jazz}}

File:C-GTAG landing in Vancouver.jpg was a former subsidiary that operated as a regional airline. The subsidiary was spun off in 2006, although it continued to use the Air Canada brand until 2011.]]

In 2001, Air Canada consolidated its wholly owned regional carriers Air BC, Air Nova, Air Ontario, and Canadian Regional Airlines into Air Canada Regional Incorporated. Several of these air carriers had previously operated as an "Air Canada Connector". In 2002, the consolidation was completed with the creation of a new brand, Air Canada Jazz. Air Canada Jazz was spun off in November 2006. ACE Aviation Holdings is no longer a shareholder of Jazz Aviation LP, making it an independent company. Air Canada Jazz was the brand name of Air Canada's main regional product from 2002 to 2011. As of June 2011, the Air Canada Jazz brand is no longer being marketed as all regional operators adopted the Air Canada Express name. Jazz Aviation is the largest of these affiliates, operating 125 aircraft on behalf of Air Canada.{{cite web |url=http://www.flyjazz.ca/english/aboutUs/history.asp |title=History |website=flyjazz.ca |access-date=31 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307023111/http://www.flyjazz.ca/english/aboutUs/history.asp |archive-date=7 March 2009}}

{{Main|Air Canada Tango}}

On 1 November 2001, Air Canada launched Air Canada Tango, designed to offer no-frills service and lower fares using a dedicated fleet of 13 Airbus A320s in an all economy configuration of 159 seats. In Canada, it operated from Toronto to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Gander and St. John's. In addition, it operated non-stop service between Toronto and Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa; as well as non-stop service between Montreal and Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.{{cite news | url=http://www.nieuwsbank.nl/en/2001/10/10/E020.htm | title=Air Canada Gets Costs Out With Tango; Reassigns Existing Capacity to Offer Unique, No-Frills, Value-Focussed Alternative to Full Service Mainline Network | author=CNW Group | date=10 October 2001 | publisher=nieuwsbank.nl | access-date=12 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522133407/http://www.nieuwsbank.nl/en/2001/10/10/E020.htm | archive-date=22 May 2011 | url-status=dead }} Tango was intended to compete with Canada 3000.{{Cite news |last=DUNN |first=BRIAN |date=16 October 2001 |title=Air Canada's Tango steps into service |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/air-canadas-tango-steps-into-service-/39934.article |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=Flight Global |archive-date=2024-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816163627/https://www.flightglobal.com/air-canadas-tango-steps-into-service-/39934.article |url-status=live }} The Tango service was dissolved in 2004. Air Canada once called its lowest fare class "Tango".{{cite web|url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/us/news/oneway/index.html |title=Air Canada fare structure |publisher=Aircanada.com |date=24 November 2008 |access-date=21 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527061408/http://www.aircanada.com/en/us/news/oneway/index.html |archive-date=27 May 2010 }} As of 2018, Air Canada has renamed the Tango fare class to Standard fare.{{cite web |url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/fare-options-and-fees/economy-fares.html |title=Economy Fares |publisher=Aircanada.com |date=30 June 2018 |access-date=30 June 2018 |archive-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630080851/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/fare-options-and-fees/economy-fares.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Zip (airline)}}

In 2002, Air Canada launched a discount airline to compete directly with WestJet on routes in Western Canada. Zip operated ex-Canadian Airlines International 737-200s as a separate airline with its own staff and brightly painted aircraft. It was disbanded in 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-s-zip-shut-down-1.467414|title=Air Canada's Zip shut down|publisher=CBC News|date=8 September 2004|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128065552/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-s-zip-shut-down-1.467414|url-status=live}}

Air Canada currently operates three hubs.{{cite web |title=Air Canada Corporate Profile |url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-profile.html |website=www.aircanada.com |access-date=27 May 2018 |archive-date=31 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331211232/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-profile.html |url-status=live }}

• Toronto–Pearson: Air Canada's primary global hub.
• Montréal–Trudeau: secondary hub for the East Coast and principal gateway to French and other international destinations.
• Vancouver: secondary hub for the West Coast and premier Asia-Pacific gateway.

{{Main|List of Air Canada destinations}}

File:201901 Air Canada Check-in Counter at HKG.jpg]]

{{As of|2024|01}}, Air Canada flies to 64 domestic destinations and 158 international destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Along with its regional partners, the carrier serves over 222 destinations in 47 countries, on six continents worldwide.

Air Canada currently flies two fifth freedom flights, São Paulo-Buenos Aires and London Heathrow-Delhi. Air Canada has flown a number of fifth freedom routes (passenger and cargo rights between two non-Canadian destinations) in the past, including: Honolulu-Sydney, London Heathrow-Düsseldorf, Paris-Geneva, Paris-Munich, Paris-Berlin, Frankfurt-Zürich, Zürich-Zagreb, Zürich-Vienna, Zürich-Delhi, Manchester-Brussels, Lisbon-Madrid, Brussels-Prague, London Heathrow-Mumbai, London Heathrow-Nice, London Heathrow-Mumbai-Singapore, Montego Bay-Kingston (KIN), and Santiago-Buenos Aires. However, these were replaced with nonstop routes: Vancouver-Sydney, Toronto-Munich, Toronto-Brussels, Toronto-Zürich, Vancouver-Zürich, Toronto-Vienna, Toronto-Delhi, Vancouver-Delhi, Toronto-Madrid, and Toronto-Mumbai.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1984/1984%20-%200397.html |title=Air Canada expands in Europe |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=10 March 1984 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629045659/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1984/1984%20-%200397.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FEUwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1003,558109&dq=air-canada+fifth-freedom&hl=en |title=Air Canada aims at business traveler with Singapore route |date=12 January 1985 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822233703/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FEUwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1003,558109&dq=air-canada+fifth-freedom&hl=en |url-status=live }}

Air Canada codeshares with the following airlines:{{cite web |title=Air Canada Codeshare Partners |url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/star-alliance-and-other-airline-partners.html |website=www.aircanada.com |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102033808/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/star-alliance-and-other-airline-partners.html |url-status=live }}

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Aegean Airlines
• Aer Lingus
• airBaltic{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=airBaltic / Air Canada Begins Codeshare Partnership From late-Oct 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241028-btaccodeshare |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=AeroRoutes |date=28 October 2024 |language=en-CA}}
• Air China
• Air Dolomiti
• Air India
• Air New Zealand
• All Nippon Airways
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Avianca
• Azul Brazilian Airlines{{cite web |title=Azul Begins Air Canada Codeshare From Early August 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230801-adaccodeshare |website=Aeroroutes.com |date=1 August 2023 |access-date=1 August 2023 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816163628/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230801-adaccodeshare |url-status=live }}
• Brussels Airlines
• Cathay Pacific{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/cathay-pacific-signs-codeshare-deal-with-air-canada/|title=Cathay Pacific signs codeshare deal with Air Canada|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208055151/https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/cathay-pacific-signs-codeshare-deal-with-air-canada/|url-status=live}}
• Central Mountain Air
• Croatia Airlines
• Discover Airlines
• Edelweiss Air{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240201-acwkcodeshare | title=Air Canada Begins Edelweiss Air Codeshare in NS24 }}
• Egyptair
• Emirates{{Cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/298341/air-canada-emirates-to-codeshare/|title=Air Canada, Emirates To Codeshare|access-date=14 July 2022|work=RoutesOnline|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013093642/https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/298341/air-canada-emirates-to-codeshare/|url-status=live}}
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• EVA Air
• Flydubai{{cite news|title=Air Canada Signs Flydubai Codeshare Agreement|url= https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/air-canada-signs-flydubai-codeshare-agreement |publisher=aviationweek.com |date=18 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}}
• Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Middle East Airlines
• Scoot{{cite web|title=Air Canada launches Scoot codeshare from mid-Jan 2025|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241223-actrcodeshare|website=aeroroutes.com|date=23 December 2024}}
• Singapore Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Thai Airways International
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Australia

{{div col end}}

Air Canada has Interline agreements with the following airlines:

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Aer Lingus
• Aegean Airlines
• Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Aeroméxico
• Air Algérie
• airBaltic
• Air Calédonie
• Air China
• Air Creebec
• Air Dolomiti
• Air France
• Air India
• Air Mauritius
• Air New Zealand
• Air Serbia
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Alaska Airlines
• All Nippon Airways
• American Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Avianca
• Avianca Costa Rica
• Avianca Ecuador
• Avianca El Salvador
• Azul Brazilian Airlines
• Bamboo Airways{{cite web | url=https://www.bambooairways.com/vn/en/bamboo-club/earn-points/airlines#:~:text=Air%20Canada,View%20more | title=Airlines Partners - Bamboo Airways }}
• Bearskin Airlines
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Canadian North
• Caribbean Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Cayman Airways
• Central Mountain Air
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Croatia Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Edelweiss Air
• Egyptair
• Emirates
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• EVA Air
• Fiji Airways
• Garuda Indonesia
• Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
• Gulf Air
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Hong Kong Airlines
• Iberia
• Icelandair
• Japan Airlines
• Jeju Air
• Jetstar
• Jetstar Asia Airways
• Jetstar Japan
• Juneyao Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• KLM
• Korean Air
• Kuwait Airways
• LATAM Airlines Group
• LIAT
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Luxair
• Malaysia Airlines
• Olympic Air
• Oman Air
• Pakistan International Airlines{{Cite web|url=https://www.piac.com.pk/interline-travel|title=INTERLINE AND CODESHARE TRAVEL|website=Pakistan International Airlines|access-date=7 November 2019|archive-date=8 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308184637/https://www.piac.com.pk/interline-travel|url-status=dead}}
• Pascan Aviation
• Philippine Airlines
• PAL Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Qantas
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian
• Saudia
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines
• Silver Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• SriLankan Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Thai Airways International
• Tunisair
• Turkish Airlines
• Ukraine International Airlines
• United Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Virgin Australia
• Widerøe

{{div col end}}

{{Excerpt|Air Canada fleet}}

Air Canada has three classes of service, Business/Signature, Premium Economy, and Economy. On most long-haul international and short-haul routes operated by widebody aircraft, Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class are offered; most short-haul and domestic routes feature Business Class and Economy Class. All mainline seats feature AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) and mood lighting. Air Canada Express features Business Class and Economy Class, on CRJ900 and Embraer E175 aircraft; all other Air Canada Express aircraft have one-class economy cabins. All narrowbody mainline aircraft, as well as Air Canada Express CRJ900 and Embraer E175 aircraft have onboard Wi-Fi installed, which is also being installed on all widebody aircraft.

Starting in 2025, Air Canada, in partnership with Bell Canada, will roll out fast and free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members on Wi-Fi-equipped planes flying within North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Air Canada said about 85% of its fleet will be covered. It plans to roll it out to its international fleet starting in 2026.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-12 |title=Air Canada to Launch Free Inflight Wi-Fi Starting in May 2025 |url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/air/articles/air-canada-to-launch-free-inflight-wi-fi-starting-in-may-2025 |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=www.travelmarketreport.com}}

In the spring of 1987, Air Canada enacted no-smoking flights between Canada and New York City as a test. After a survey reported that 96% of passengers supported the smoking ban, Air Canada extended the ban to other flights.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Warren |date=March 24, 1988 |title=NORTHWEST BANS SMOKING ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/03/24/northwest-bans-smoking-on-domestic-flights/bc6a5472-964d-41e8-9211-8c2a134ae9ee/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229003749/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/24/us/northwest-airlines-bans-smoking-on-most-flights.html |archive-date=29 December 2016 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

On 9 February 2017, a new uniform scheme coinciding with Canada's 150th and Air Canada's 80th anniversaries was unveiled. Air Canada partnered with Vancouver-born fashion designer Christopher Bates to design the new uniforms which incorporate a base colour of black or grey with red lettering and the famous maple leaf.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-colours-1.3974114|title=Air Canada shows off new colour schemes for planes and staff uniforms|access-date=9 February 2017|archive-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210002715/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-colours-1.3974114|url-status=live}}

Between 2004 and 2017, Air Canada uniforms used a midnight blue colour. The uniforms were designed by Canadian fashion designer Debbie Shuchat. At a presentation in the Toronto Airport hangar, Celine Dion helped the newly solvent airline debut its new image.

{{Main|Aeroplan}}

Aeroplan is Air Canada's frequent flyer rewards program, both allowing for points collection and spending, as well as status and rewards as an Air Canada customer. After Air Canada and Aeroplan changed the division of points collection and redemption, Air Canada introduced an internal rewards program, Altitude. The two programs operate in conjunction.

In May 2017, Air Canada announced it plans to launch a new loyalty program to replace Aeroplan and Altitude in 2020.{{cite news|title=Galleries Aimia shares crash after Air Canada parts ways with Aeroplan loyalty program|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-aeroplan-1.4109868|access-date=12 May 2017|date=11 May 2017|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511233645/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-aeroplan-1.4109868|url-status=live}} On 10 January 2019, Air Canada re-acquired Aeroplan from Aimia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/air-canada-closes-aeroplan-loyalty-programme-purchase/130931.article|title=Air Canada closes Aeroplan loyalty programme purchase|last=Hemmerdinger|first=Jon|date=10 January 2019|website=Flight Global|language=en|access-date=6 January 2020|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725004731/https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/air-canada-closes-aeroplan-loyalty-programme-purchase/130931.article|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://skift.com/2019/01/15/air-canada-completes-bringing-aeroplan-loyalty-program-into-its-fold/|title=Air Canada Completes Bringing Aeroplan Loyalty Program Into Its Fold|date=15 January 2019|website=Skift|language=en-US|access-date=6 January 2020|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115120932/https://skift.com/2019/01/15/air-canada-completes-bringing-aeroplan-loyalty-program-into-its-fold/|url-status=live}} In 2020, Air Canada Altitude and Aeroplan merged, with Aeroplan as the surviving entity.{{Cite web|date=11 August 2020|title=Here Comes The New Aeroplan|url=https://onemileatatime.com/aeroplan-new-2020/|access-date=28 December 2020|website=One Mile at a Time|language=en-US|archive-date=26 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226150404/https://onemileatatime.com/aeroplan-new-2020/|url-status=live}}

File:Air Canada Priority Check-in@PEK (20140405151039).JPG for members of "Air Canada Altitude", the airline's frequent flyers program]]

On 20 September 2012, Air Canada unveiled its new frequent flyer status program named "Air Canada Altitude" to supplement Aeroplan. Aeroplan remained the frequent flyer rewards program, collecting miles which can be "spent", whereas status level is determined by Altitude standing.

There are five levels of membership in Air Canada's Altitude Program: Basic, Prestige 25K, Elite 35K, Elite 50K, Elite 75K and Super Elite 100K. The latter three are called "Top Tier" membership levels and provide travel benefits such as upgrades, lounge access, priority services (e.g., check-in, luggage handling), and bonuses when earning miles through air travel. In order to qualify for these levels, a member must earn, through flight activities, a certain number of miles or a certain number of segments and spending some level of money. Altitude refers to these as Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM), Segments (AQS), and Dollars (AQD).

Prestige members and Altitude Elite 35 K receive Star Alliance Silver status, while Elite 50K, Elite 75K, and Super Elite 100K members receive Star Alliance Gold status.

Air Canada Status Miles are calculated on an annual basis to determine Altitude Membership Status for the following benefit year (1 March through 28 February). At the 35K and above levels, that level of status is granted when achieved, for the remainder of the current year, as well as for the next year.

This coincides with the alliance with Star Alliance, and this can give Star Alliance Gold passengers access to any Star Alliance lounge and discounts or upgrades on another Star Alliance member.

On 8 November 2020, Air Canada Altitude renamed as Aeroplan Elite Status. Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM), Segments (AQS), and Dollars (AQD) have been replaced by Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Segments (SQS), and Dollars (SQD).{{Cite web|date=12 August 2020|title=Aeroplan Elite Status: Air Canada's New Elite Program|url=https://princeoftravel.com/blog/new-aeroplan-elite-status/|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Prince of Travel|language=en-CA|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203160916/https://princeoftravel.com/blog/new-aeroplan-elite-status/|url-status=live}}

{{For|incidents before 1963|Trans-Canada Air Lines#Accidents and incidents}}

In February 2019, TechCrunch reported that the Air Canada mobile app in the iOS App Store incorporated session-replay software from the Israeli firm Glassbox. This software, without the users' informed consent, recorded users' activities and transmitted the data, including unredacted credit card data and passport numbers, to remote servers. This compromised users' privacy and contravened the rules of the iOS App Store.{{Cite web |last=Whittaker |first=Zack |date=6 February 2019 |title=Many popular iPhone apps secretly record your screen without asking |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/06/iphone-session-replay-screenshots/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206230056/https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/06/iphone-session-replay-screenshots/ |archive-date=6 February 2019 |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=TechCrunch}}{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=6 February 2019 |title=Some Popular iPhone Apps Secretly Record Your Screen for Analytics Purposes |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2019/02/06/iphone-apps-screen-recordings-analytics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206234723/https://www.macrumors.com/2019/02/06/iphone-apps-screen-recordings-analytics/ |archive-date=6 February 2019 |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=MacRumors}}

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• ACE Aviation Holdings
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• List of airlines of Canada
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• Air Transat
• Transportation in Canada
• Air transport in Canada

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{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=McArthur |first=Keith |date=2004 |title=Air monopoly: how Robert Milton's Air Canada won and lost control of Canada's skies |publisher=M & S |isbn=0-7710-5688-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7LMuSlz-DIUC&pg=PR3 |ref=none}}
• {{Cite book |last=Milton |first=Robert |date=2004 |title=Straight from the Top: The Truth About Air Canada |publisher=Greystone Books |isbn=1-55365-051-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UiqbULKfCpYC&pg=PP1 |ref=none}}
• {{cite book |last1=Pigott |first1=Peter |title=Air Canada: the history |date=2014 |publisher=Dundurn |location=Toronto |isbn=978-1-4597-1952-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/aircanadahistory0000pigo |url-access=registration}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://flyjazz.ca/en/ Air Canada Jazz]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150710050639/http://www.cbc.ca/archives/topic/turbulent-skies-the-air-canada-story CBC Digital Archives – Turbulent Skies: The Air Canada Story]

{{Air Canada}}

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