Air Canada
Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. It operates domestic and international passenger services from major hubs at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport and Vancouver International Airport.[1]
The airline serves destinations across six continents through its mainline operation, the leisure carrier Air Canada Rouge, and regional flights marketed as Air Canada Express.[2]
Air Canada uses the IATA code AC, the ICAO code ACA, and the callsign AIR CANADA.[3]
Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Country |  Canada |
| Airline type | Full-service network carrier |
| IATA code | AC |
| ICAO code | ACA |
| Airline accounting code | 014 |
| Callsign | AIR CANADA |
| Founded | 10 April 1937 |
| Operations began | 1 September 1937 |
| Original name | Trans-Canada Air Lines |
| Main hub | Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| Other hubs | Montréal–Trudeau and Vancouver |
| Frequent-flyer programme | Aeroplan |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Official website | aircanada.com |
Air Canada's predecessor, Trans-Canada Air Lines, was established by the Canadian government in 1937. The airline adopted the Air Canada name in 1965 and was fully privatised by 1989.[1]
Air Canada was one of the five founding members of Star Alliance, which was established in 1997.[4]
History
Trans-Canada Air Lines
Trans-Canada Air Lines, commonly abbreviated to TCA, was created by an Act of Parliament on 10 April 1937. It was initially established as a subsidiary of the government-owned Canadian National Railway.[5]
The airline was created to develop a nationally connected air transport network linking Canadian cities and providing international connections.
TCA's first scheduled flight took place on 1 September 1937. A Lockheed Model 10A Electra carried two passengers and mail between Vancouver and Seattle.[1]
The airline began operating transcontinental services between Montréal and Vancouver in 1939. Its early fleet included Lockheed Electra, Super Electra and Lodestar aircraft.
Second World War
During the Second World War, TCA supported Canada's military and transport requirements.
The airline participated in the Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service, which carried personnel, mail and important cargo between Canada and Britain using modified Avro Lancaster aircraft known as Lancastrians.
The experience gained from these operations contributed to the development of regular commercial services across the North Atlantic after the war.
Post-war expansion
TCA expanded rapidly during the late 1940s and 1950s.
Aircraft introduced during this period included:
Douglas DC-3
Canadair North Star
Lockheed Super Constellation
Vickers Viscount
Vickers Vanguard
The Canadair North Star and Lockheed Super Constellation were used to develop services between Canada and Europe.
The Vickers Viscount became an important aircraft on domestic and shorter international routes. TCA was also the only North American airline to operate the Vickers Vanguard in scheduled passenger service.
Reservation technology
During the 1950s, TCA developed ReserVec, an early electronic airline reservation system.
ReserVec allowed airline employees to access inventory through remote terminals. It was among the first reservation systems of its kind to be placed into commercial airline use.[6]
Introduction of jet aircraft
TCA entered the jet age with the Douglas DC-8 in 1960.
The DC-8 was introduced on transcontinental and transatlantic routes, reducing journey times and replacing piston-powered aircraft on major international services.
The airline later introduced the Douglas DC-9 for domestic and shorter international routes.
Renaming as Air Canada
The Canadian government approved the renaming of Trans-Canada Air Lines during the 1960s.
The name Air Canada, which had already been used in French, became the airline's official name on 1 January 1965.[5]
The bilingual name reflected the airline's national role and Canada's use of both English and French.
Wide-body expansion
Air Canada introduced wide-body aircraft during the 1970s.
The Boeing 747 entered service on major international routes, including services between Canada and Europe. The airline also operated the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar on domestic, transcontinental and international flights.
Air Canada introduced the Boeing 727 for short- and medium-haul routes and continued operating Douglas DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft.
Separation from Canadian National Railway
Air Canada was separated from Canadian National Railway during the late 1970s and became an independent Crown corporation.
The Air Canada Act of 1977 established the airline under a new corporate structure while it remained owned by the Canadian government.[7]
Privatisation
The Canadian government began privatising Air Canada in 1988.
Shares were sold through public offerings, and the airline became fully privatised in 1989.[1]
Privatisation took place during a broader period of airline deregulation and increased competition in Canada's aviation market.
Fleet modernisation
Air Canada modernised its fleet during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Aircraft introduced during this period included:
Airbus A319
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
Airbus A330
Boeing 767
Boeing 747-400
Bombardier CRJ
The Airbus A320 family gradually replaced several older narrow-body types, while the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 became important aircraft on long-haul routes.
Canadian Airlines acquisition
Air Canada acquired Canadian Airlines International, its largest domestic competitor, in 2000.
Canadian Airlines had experienced prolonged financial difficulties before the acquisition. Its network, aircraft and employees were progressively integrated into Air Canada.
The acquisition significantly increased Air Canada's share of the Canadian domestic market and expanded its international network, particularly across western Canada and the Pacific region.
Aircraft inherited through the acquisition included Boeing 737, Boeing 767 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10 equipment.
Financial restructuring
Air Canada entered protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in April 2003.
The restructuring included changes to employment agreements, fleet plans, debt and corporate organisation.
Air Canada emerged from court protection in September 2004 under a new parent organisation named ACE Aviation Holdings.
The airline later returned to operating as an independent publicly traded company as ACE Aviation reduced and eventually disposed of its ownership.
Development of regional operations
Air Canada has used several regional brands and partner airlines to operate lower-capacity services.
Earlier regional brands included:
Air Canada Connector
Air Canada Regional
Air Canada Jazz
Air Canada Alliance
Air BC
Air Nova
Air Ontario
Canadian Regional Airlines
The Air Canada Express brand was introduced in 2011 to provide a common identity for regional services operated under capacity-purchase agreements.
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Rouge began operations in July 2013 as Air Canada's leisure airline.
Rouge was created to serve tourism-focused destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The airline initially operated Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Boeing 767 aircraft. Its Boeing 767 fleet was later withdrawn, leaving Rouge focused primarily on short- and medium-haul leisure services.
Boeing 787 introduction
Air Canada introduced the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2014.
The aircraft became an important part of the airline's long-haul fleet, replacing older Boeing 767 aircraft and supporting the launch of new international routes.
Air Canada operates the Boeing 787-8 and larger Boeing 787-9. The airline has also ordered the Boeing 787-10 for future delivery.[1]
Aeroplan reacquisition
Aeroplan was originally created as Air Canada's frequent-flyer programme before becoming part of a separate company.
A consortium led by Air Canada completed the acquisition of Aeroplan from Aimia in January 2019. Air Canada then redeveloped the programme and launched a redesigned Aeroplan in November 2020.[8]
COVID-19 pandemic
Air Canada significantly reduced passenger operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International border restrictions, quarantine requirements and reduced passenger demand caused an unprecedented decline in traffic.
The airline suspended numerous routes, retired aircraft and reduced its workforce. It continued operating selected passenger flights, cargo services and repatriation flights.
Aircraft retired or withdrawn during the period included:
Airbus A319
Boeing 767
Embraer E190
Passenger operations were progressively restored as border restrictions were removed and demand recovered.
Recent fleet development
Air Canada has continued renewing both its narrow-body and long-haul fleets.
The Airbus A220-300 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 became important aircraft for services within North America. Air Canada has also introduced the Airbus A321XLR for longer routes with lower passenger demand.[9]
The airline has ordered additional Boeing 787-10 aircraft and Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft for future international growth.[10]
Air Canada has also announced a reorganisation of its North American fleet. Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are being introduced at Air Canada Rouge, while Airbus A320-family aircraft are being transferred from Rouge to the mainline operation and refurbished.[11]
Corporate affairs
Headquarters
Air Canada's headquarters are located in Saint-Laurent, a borough of Montréal in Quebec.
The airline has maintained its principal corporate base in the Montréal area since the headquarters of Trans-Canada Air Lines were moved there in 1949.
Ownership
Air Canada is a publicly traded company.
Its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AC.
The airline is not owned by the Canadian government, although it remains subject to legislation covering matters including foreign ownership, official languages and the location of important corporate functions.
Official languages
Air Canada is subject to Canada's Official Languages Act.
The airline is required to provide certain services and communications in both English and French.[12]
Business divisions
Air Canada's business includes several passenger, cargo, holiday and loyalty operations.
| Operation | Role |
| Air Canada | Mainline passenger airline |
| Air Canada Rouge | Leisure-focused airline |
| Air Canada Express | Regional service brand |
| Air Canada Cargo | Air freight operation |
| Aeroplan | Loyalty programme |
| Air Canada Vacations | Holiday and travel company |
Operations
Network
Air Canada operates domestic and international services across six continents.
Its network includes destinations in:
Canada
The United States
The Caribbean
Mexico
Central America
South America
Europe
Africa
The Middle East
Asia
Australia
The exact network changes between seasonal schedules. Leisure destinations generally receive additional services during the Canadian winter, while European routes often receive additional capacity during summer.
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Air Canada's largest hub.
Toronto supports domestic, transborder and international connections. It is particularly important for services between North America and destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean.
Air Canada and its regional partners operate from Terminal 1.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is Air Canada's principal hub in Quebec.
The airport supports domestic and international connections, including services to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the United States.
Montréal is also geographically close to Air Canada's corporate headquarters.
Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport is Air Canada's principal hub in western Canada.
Vancouver supports domestic services and international routes across the Pacific. It is an important connecting point for passengers travelling between Asia, Australia and North America.
Calgary International Airport
Calgary International Airport is an important city within Air Canada's domestic and international network.
Air Canada operates services from Calgary to destinations across Canada, the United States and selected international markets.
Major operating centres
| Airport | Role |
| Toronto Pearson International Airport | Largest hub |
| Montréal–Trudeau International Airport | Eastern Canada and international hub |
| Vancouver International Airport | Western Canada and trans-Pacific hub |
| Calgary International Airport | Major domestic and regional station |
| Ottawa International Airport | Important domestic station |
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport | Atlantic Canada station |
Air Canada Express
Air Canada Express is the brand used for regional flights sold by Air Canada but operated by partner airlines.
These services connect smaller communities with Air Canada's hubs and provide additional frequencies on major domestic and transborder routes.
Air Canada Express aircraft and crews are provided by contracted operators.
Operators have included:
Jazz Aviation
PAL Airlines
Sky Regional Airlines
Air Georgian
EVAS Air
Central Mountain Air
Jazz Aviation is the principal operator of Air Canada Express services.
| Aircraft family | Typical operator | Role |
| De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 | Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines | Regional routes |
| Embraer E175 | Jazz Aviation | Domestic and transborder services |
| Mitsubishi CRJ900 | Jazz Aviation | Higher-capacity regional services |
Air Canada controls the schedules, fares and customer-facing sales process for Air Canada Express flights.
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Rouge is a wholly owned leisure airline within the Air Canada group.
Rouge services are marketed and sold through Air Canada. The airline primarily serves leisure destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Its aircraft carry a separate red, burgundy and white identity while retaining the Air Canada maple-leaf symbol.
The Rouge fleet has included:
Airbus A319
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
Boeing 737 MAX 8
Boeing 767-300ER
Air Canada began transferring Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into the Rouge fleet in 2026 as part of a wider fleet transformation programme.[11]
Air Canada Cargo
Air Canada Cargo provides freight services across Air Canada's passenger and dedicated cargo network.
Cargo is carried in the holds of passenger aircraft and on dedicated freighters.
Air Canada Cargo transports products including:
General freight
Pharmaceuticals
Mail
Live animals
Fresh food
Valuable goods
Temperature-sensitive shipments
Oversized cargo
The airline introduced dedicated Boeing 767 freighters after converting former passenger aircraft.
Cargo services connect Canada with destinations in the United States, Europe, Latin America and other international markets.
Codeshare agreements
Air Canada maintains codeshare agreements with numerous airlines.
Codeshare arrangements allow Air Canada to place its flight code on services operated by partner airlines and allow partners to place their codes on selected Air Canada flights.
Partners include members of Star Alliance and airlines outside the alliance.
The current list of partners and eligible routes is published by Air Canada.[13]
Star Alliance
Air Canada was one of the five airlines that founded Star Alliance on 14 May 1997.
The other founding members were:
Lufthansa
Scandinavian Airlines
Thai Airways International
United Airlines
Star Alliance membership provides access to a wider international network and reciprocal passenger benefits.
Eligible passengers may receive:
Through check-in on connecting journeys
Coordinated baggage handling
Airport lounge access
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Additional baggage allowances
Priority baggage delivery
Benefits depend on the passenger's Aeroplan status, ticket and operating airline.
Fleet
Air Canada operates a mixed Airbus and Boeing mainline fleet.
Narrow-body aircraft are used on domestic, transborder and shorter international routes. Wide-body aircraft operate long-haul services and high-demand routes.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Airbus A220-300 | Domestic and transborder services |
| Airbus A319 | Short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A320 | Short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A321 | Higher-capacity short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A321XLR | Long-range narrow-body services |
| Airbus A330-300 | Long-haul services |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Domestic and international services |
| Boeing 777-200LR | Ultra-long-haul services |
| Boeing 777-300ER | High-capacity long-haul services |
| Boeing 787-8 | Long-haul services |
| Boeing 787-9 | Long-haul services |
Air Canada's fleet page also lists aircraft operated by Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge.[9]
Airbus A220
Air Canada introduced the Airbus A220-300 into commercial service on 16 January 2020.[14]
The aircraft is assembled at Mirabel in Quebec and is used on domestic and transborder routes.
The A220 includes personal seatback entertainment, larger windows and a wider cabin than many smaller narrow-body aircraft.
Airbus A321XLR
The Airbus A321XLR provides greater range than earlier A321 variants.
Air Canada plans to use the type on routes where a wide-body aircraft would provide more capacity than required. Its range allows selected long-distance services to be operated using a narrow-body aircraft.
Boeing 777
Air Canada operates the Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER.
The 777-200LR is used on some of the airline's longest routes. The larger 777-300ER is used on high-demand international services.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787 is one of Air Canada's principal long-haul aircraft.
Air Canada operates the 787-8 and 787-9 and has ordered the larger 787-10.
The aircraft is used across the airline's European, Asian, Middle Eastern, South American and Pacific networks.
Airbus A350 order
Air Canada announced an order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in February 2026.
The agreement includes purchase rights for additional aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030.[10]
The A350-1000 is intended to support future international growth and the replacement of older wide-body aircraft.
Former fleet
Air Canada and Trans-Canada Air Lines have operated many aircraft types during their history.
Former aircraft include:
Airbus A319
Airbus A340-300
Airbus A340-500
Boeing 727
Boeing 737-200
Boeing 747-100
Boeing 747-200
Boeing 747-400
Boeing 767-200
Boeing 767-300ER
British Aerospace 146
Canadair North Star
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-8
Douglas DC-9
Embraer E175
Embraer E190
Lockheed L-10 Electra
Lockheed L-14 Super Electra
Lockheed L-18 Lodestar
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar
Lockheed Super Constellation
Vickers Vanguard
Vickers Viscount
Some aircraft inherited from Canadian Airlines were withdrawn shortly after the companies were combined.
Air Canada publishes information about many of its former aircraft through its historical fleet archive.[15]
Passenger services
Economy Class
Economy Class is offered across the Air Canada fleet.
The service provided depends on the route, aircraft and fare type.
Long-haul Economy Class generally includes:
A personal entertainment screen
A meal and drinks
A cabin baggage allowance
Access to onboard Wi-Fi where installed
Checked baggage, advance seat selection and ticket flexibility depend on the purchased fare.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy is available on selected wide-body aircraft.
The cabin provides wider seats, additional legroom and more recline than Economy Class.
Passengers generally receive priority airport services, an increased baggage allowance and an enhanced meal service.
Air Canada Signature Class
Air Canada Signature Class is the airline's principal long-haul Business Class product.
It is available on eligible international flights operated by Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 aircraft.
Features can include:
A lie-flat seat
Priority check-in
Priority security where available
Airport lounge access
Premium meals and drinks
Additional baggage
Priority boarding
Priority baggage delivery
The exact seat and cabin arrangement varies by aircraft.[16]
North American Business Class
Business Class is available on many flights within Canada and between Canada and the United States.
The product generally includes a larger seat, priority airport services, lounge access on eligible journeys and complimentary food and drinks.
Some wide-body aircraft and selected narrow-body aircraft provide lie-flat seats when scheduled on North American routes.
Wi-Fi and entertainment
Many Air Canada aircraft provide personal seatback entertainment.
The airline has also introduced onboard Wi-Fi across an increasing proportion of its mainline and regional fleets.
Availability and pricing depend on the aircraft, route and passenger's Aeroplan status.
Aeroplan
Aeroplan is Air Canada's frequent-flyer and loyalty programme.
Members can earn Aeroplan points through eligible flights, financial products, hotels, car hire, shopping and other partners.
Points can be redeemed for:
Flights
Cabin upgrades
Hotels
Car hire
Merchandise
Gift cards
Experiences
Aeroplan points can be earned and redeemed across Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines and other selected partners.[17]
Elite status
Aeroplan Elite Status provides benefits to frequent travellers.
Published status levels include:
| Status | Position |
| Aeroplan 25K | Entry elite level |
| Aeroplan 35K | Second elite level |
| Aeroplan 50K | Star Alliance Gold level |
| Aeroplan 75K | Higher elite level |
| Aeroplan Super Elite | Highest published level |
Benefits can include priority services, lounge access, eUpgrade credits, additional baggage and preferred seating.
Qualification rules can change between programme years.
Airport lounges
Air Canada operates several types of airport lounge.
Maple Leaf Lounges
Maple Leaf Lounges are available at selected airports in Canada, the United States and Europe.
Access may be provided to:
Eligible Business Class passengers
Air Canada Signature Class passengers
Qualifying Aeroplan Elite members
Star Alliance Gold passengers
Customers with eligible memberships or payment cards
Air Canada Signature Suite
The Air Canada Signature Suite is a premium facility for eligible international Business Class passengers.
Signature Suites are located at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airport.
The facilities provide restaurant-style dining and premium drinks before departure.
Air Canada Café
The Air Canada Café provides a more informal lounge concept focused on refreshments and takeaway food.
Access requirements vary according to the passenger's ticket, Aeroplan status and payment card.
Branding
Maple leaf symbol
The maple leaf is the central symbol of Air Canada's identity.
It has appeared in different forms throughout the airline's history and reflects the airline's role as Canada's flag carrier.
Current livery
Air Canada introduced its current aircraft livery in 2017.
The design uses a white fuselage with black cockpit surrounds, black engines and a black tail carrying a red maple-leaf roundel.
The black cockpit treatment is sometimes informally described as a mask.
Retro liveries
Air Canada has applied historical colour schemes to selected aircraft.
These liveries recognise the airline's history as Trans-Canada Air Lines and earlier periods of Air Canada branding.
Environmental strategy
Air Canada has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across its global operations by 2050.[18]
Its environmental plans include:
Fleet renewal
More efficient aircraft
Sustainable aviation fuel
Operational efficiency
Carbon-reduction technology
Reduced waste
Ground-equipment electrification
The Airbus A220, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR are intended to improve fuel efficiency compared with some aircraft they replace.
Accidents and incidents
Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 810
On 9 December 1956, Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 810 crashed into Mount Slesse in British Columbia.
The aircraft was a Canadair North Star travelling from Vancouver to Calgary. All 62 passengers and crew members were killed.
Air Canada Flight 621
On 5 July 1970, Air Canada Flight 621 crashed near Toronto while operating from Montréal to Los Angeles with a scheduled stop in Toronto.
The aircraft was a Douglas DC-8. All 109 passengers and crew members were killed.
Air Canada Flight 797
On 2 June 1983, Air Canada Flight 797 made an emergency landing at Cincinnati after a fire developed aboard the Douglas DC-9.
The aircraft was evacuated after landing, but a flash fire spread through the cabin. Twenty-three of the 46 occupants were killed.
The accident contributed to changes in aviation safety requirements, including smoke detectors in aircraft lavatories and improved emergency procedures.
Air Canada Flight 143
On 23 July 1983, Air Canada Flight 143 ran out of usable fuel while operating between Montréal and Edmonton.
The Boeing 767 glided to a former air force base at Gimli, Manitoba, where the crew completed an emergency landing.
All occupants survived. The aircraft became widely known as the Gimli Glider.
Air Canada Flight 624
On 29 March 2015, Air Canada Flight 624 landed short of the runway while approaching Halifax Stanfield International Airport during poor weather.
The Airbus A320 struck terrain and airport equipment before coming to rest beyond the runway threshold.
There were no fatalities, although several passengers and crew members were injured.
Air Canada Flight 759
On 7 July 2017, Air Canada Flight 759 nearly landed on a taxiway at San Francisco International Airport.
Four passenger aircraft were waiting on the taxiway when the approaching Airbus A320 descended towards them.
The crew initiated a go-around before contact occurred. The event was investigated by the United States National Transportation Safety Board.
See also
Air Canada Express
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Cargo
Aeroplan
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Star Alliance
List of airlines of Canada
Transport in Canada