Over 12 new international destinations launched in 2025, 7 already announced for 2026New on-board additions such as fast, free Wi-Fi* in North America, complimentary beer and wine for all customers and premium snacks MONTREAL, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As 2025 draws to a close, Air Canada reflects on a year marked by significant achievements and milestones. With gratitude for the loyalty of its customers, the dedicated professionalism of its employees and the support of its partners, Air Canada cele ...

Core Points - Air Canada has launched a new seasonal non-stop flight service from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro, operating three times a week until the end of March 2026 [1][7] - The new route aims to enhance international connectivity and provide Canadians with more opportunities to explore Brazil's culture and landscapes [3][8] - The introduction of this flight is expected to boost tourism and economic development in Rio de Janeiro, as Brazil is experiencing significant growth in international tourism [4][5][6] Company Overview - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and a founding member of Star Alliance, offering scheduled service to over 180 airports globally [10] - The airline operates the new Rio flights using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, providing various cabin classes and premium services for travelers [9] - Air Canada's Aeroplan program allows members to earn and redeem points across a wide network of airline partners and other services [10] Industry Insights - Brazil is currently the fastest-growing country in international tourism, attributed to its cultural richness and authentic experiences [4] - The new flight service is expected to increase the flow of visitors between Canada and Brazil, enhancing business opportunities and cultural exchange [6] - The expansion of Air Canada's route is seen as a significant step in strengthening Rio de Janeiro's position as a key destination for North American travelers [5][8]

Core Points - Air Canada has launched a special livery to honor Canadian Olympians and Paralympians for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, featuring images of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors on an Airbus A330 [1][5] - As the Official Airline of Team Canada, Air Canada will transport over 750 athletes and delegation members to and from the Games, ensuring a seamless travel experience through its employee-driven Going for Gold program [3][5] - The new livery symbolizes the strength and dedication of Canadian athletes, reflecting Air Canada's long-standing support for Team Canada since 1988 for the Olympic Team and 2007 for the Paralympic Team [4][6] Company Overview - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and a founding member of Star Alliance, providing scheduled service to over 180 airports globally [7] - The airline's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, allowing members to earn or redeem points across a vast network of airline partners and other services [7] - Air Canada aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of its climate-related ambitions [7]

Core Insights - The article highlights the successful collaboration between Dreams Take Flight, Air Canada, and The Air Canada Foundation in providing magical experiences for over a thousand children in Canada through trips to theme parks in Florida and California in 2025 [1] Group 1: Dreams Take Flight Overview - Dreams Take Flight was established in 1989 by Air Canada employees to offer children facing mental, physical, or social challenges a memorable trip to a theme park [3] - The initiative has expanded to eight chapters across Canada by 1997, including cities like Halifax, Montréal, and Vancouver, and operates entirely on a volunteer basis [3] - Since its inception, more than 35,000 children have participated in Dreams Take Flight trips [7] Group 2: Volunteer Involvement - Children selected from various organizations are accompanied by volunteers, including current and retired Air Canada employees, who help create a magical experience [4] - Volunteers contribute their time generously, including flight attendants and maintenance engineers, to provide children with a break from their daily lives [4] Group 3: Impact and Support - The partnership with the Air Canada Foundation is crucial for delivering these experiences, as it enables volunteers to create memorable days for children in need [5] - The initiative is described as more than just a trip; it serves to inspire hope and courage among the children, creating lasting memories [6] Group 4: Air Canada Foundation - The Air Canada Foundation, established in 2012, focuses on the health and well-being of children and youth, providing financial and in-kind support to Canadian charities [9] - Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to pediatric hospitals, and fundraising activities like the Every Bit Counts program [9] Group 5: Air Canada Overview - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and a founding member of Star Alliance, offering scheduled services to over 180 airports globally [10] - The airline has a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and operates a premier travel loyalty program, Aeroplan, allowing members to earn or redeem points across a vast network [10] - Air Canada aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of its climate-related ambitions [10]

Core Points - Air Canada is expanding its Summer 2026 global schedule to Europe with new non-stop routes from Toronto, Montréal, and Halifax [1][3] - The new destinations include Berlin, Nantes, Ponta Delgada, and Brussels, enhancing Air Canada's transatlantic network [3][4] - The airline will connect Canada to over 126 global destinations, offering up to 155,000 seats weekly across various regions [5] Route Details - From Montréal to Berlin: Non-stop service three times weekly starting July 2, 2026 [7][6] - From Montréal to Nantes: Non-stop service three times weekly starting June 10, 2026 [10][9] - From Halifax to Brussels: Non-stop service three times weekly starting June 18, 2026 [14][13] - From Toronto to Ponta Delgada: Non-stop service three times weekly starting June 11, 2026 [12][11] - Seasonal service from Montréal to Tel Aviv will resume, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner [16][15] Strategic Importance - The expansion aims to strengthen economic ties and support tourism between Canada and Europe [3] - Air Canada will have North America's second-largest transatlantic network by destinations next summer [4] - The new routes reflect the airline's commitment to international growth and enhancing travel options for customers [5][4]

Core Points - Air Canada has launched its most comprehensive cabin renewal program aimed at enhancing customer comfort and connectivity across its fleet, including Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express [1][3] - The program features new interiors, next-generation technology, and the introduction of Fast, Free Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell, to improve the onboard experience [1][3] Group 1: Air Canada Rouge Updates - All Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in Air Canada's mainline fleet will transition to Air Canada Rouge by 2026, featuring 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred extra legroom Economy seats, and 147 Standard Economy seats, all equipped with personal on-demand entertainment screens and Fast, Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members [4] - A new Rouge crew base will be established in Vancouver to provide more options for leisure travelers from Western Canada [5] Group 2: Mainline and Express Fleet Enhancements - Air Canada mainline will see upgrades to all Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, which will include new seating, the latest in-flight entertainment, and upgraded Fast, Free Wi-Fi, with 15 Airbus A321s already upgraded [8] - Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz will also receive cabin upgrades and next-generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi, with 55% of the fleet already completed [10] Group 3: Additional Customer Experience Improvements - Air Canada is enhancing the onboard experience by offering complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks on all flights, featuring Canadian-made products [11] - The airline continues to invest in its Airbus A220 fleet, with an additional 26 Airbus A220-300s on order, set to introduce a new design standard starting March 2026 [9]

Core Viewpoint - Air Canada and Emirates have renewed and expanded their strategic partnership, which began in 2022, to enhance customer services and cargo operations until December 31, 2032, benefiting both airlines and their customers [1][3][4]. Partnership Expansion - The renewed agreement will deepen cooperation, enhance services for customers and cargo shippers, and create potential new gateways within Canada [1][7]. - The partnership has already served over 550,000 customers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai, and other global destinations [1][10]. Customer Benefits - New customer benefits will include enhanced premium travel experiences at more airports and improved priority benefits for eligible passengers [7][9]. - The partnership allows for seamless connections and reciprocal loyalty benefits, enhancing the travel experience for customers [10][11]. Cargo Cooperation - Strengthened cargo cooperation aims to boost two-way trade and facilitate cargo shipments between the Americas, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia [7][8]. - Both airlines are exploring a potential joint venture focused on cargo operations to support efficient global commodity movement [8]. Economic Impact - The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen tourism and trade between Canada and the UAE, with bilateral trade growing 14% from 2022 to 2023 [13]. - Canadian exports to the UAE reached CAD $3.3 billion in 2024, marking a 17% increase over 2023 [13]. Operational Enhancements - Air Canada has relocated its Dubai operations to Dubai International's Terminal 3, improving the connection experience for customers [11]. - The codeshare network has expanded to 56 routes, connecting Emirates customers to 37 destinations in Canada and the U.S. [9][12].

Core Insights - Air Canada announced its 2025 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada, with Halifax's Mystic taking the top spot, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the Canadian culinary scene [1][4][6] Restaurant Rankings - The Top 10 Air Canada Best New Restaurants of 2025 include: 1. Mystic (Halifax, NS): Known for its seafood-forward menu and sustainable, locally sourced ingredients [7] 2. Le Violon (Montreal, QC): Celebrates Quebec's culinary traditions with a hyper-seasonal menu [7] 3. aKin (Toronto, ON): Features globally inspired dishes reflecting Toronto's multicultural identity [12] 4. Sushi Hyun Omakase (Vancouver, BC): Offers a masterful omakase experience with sustainable seafood [12] 5. Maven (Toronto, ON): Blends traditional Jewish and Eastern European dishes with modern twists [12] 6. Nero Tondo (Vancouver, BC): Focuses on handmade pastas and bold sauces [12] 7. Yan Dining Room (Toronto, ON): Provides an exclusive eight-course neo-Chinese dining experience [12] 8. Sumibiyaki Arashi (Vancouver, BC): Specializes in yakitori with a focus on seasonal ingredients [12] 9. Pasta Pooks (Montreal, QC): A counter-service eatery known for its handmade pastas [12] 10. Niwa (Vancouver, BC): Merges Pacific Northwest ingredients with Asian techniques [12] Event Highlights - The announcement of the Top 10 restaurants took place at a special event in Toronto on November 17, 2025, where chefs shared dishes from their winning menus [8][11] - The program, now in its 24th year, aims to inspire culinary tourism across Canada [11] Sponsorship and Partnerships - The event is presented by American Express, which has been a multi-year National Partner of the program, emphasizing its commitment to enriching Canada's culinary landscape [9][10]

Core Points - The Air Canada Foundation is inviting applications for its annual grant program aimed at improving the health and well-being of children and youth across Canada [1][4] - The Foundation disbursed $1.6 million in 2025 to support 38 distinct projects led by Canadian registered charities [5][7] Eligibility and Application Process - Applicants must be Canadian registered charities focused on enhancing access to care and services for underserved populations [3][8] - Grant applications are accepted from November 1 to December 31 each year, with funding awarded in the first half of the following calendar year [8] Foundation's Mission and Impact - The Foundation's mission includes three pillars: Health, Protection, and Dreams, addressing various challenges faced by children and youth [5][6] - The Foundation has been operational since 2012, providing both financial and in-kind support to charities [9]

Core Points - Air Canada has launched a new "Zootopia 2" themed aircraft livery on an Airbus A220, coinciding with the film's theatrical release on November 26 [1][4] - This initiative is part of Air Canada's broader partnership with Disney, enhancing the travel experience through storytelling and adventure [3][5] - The airline is also offering Aeroplan Members a chance to win vacations to Walt Disney World Resort, promoting engagement with Disney's new film [3][7] Company Overview - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and a founding member of Star Alliance, providing scheduled services to over 180 airports globally [5] - The airline has a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and operates an extensive loyalty program, Aeroplan, which allows members to earn and redeem points across a wide network [5] - Air Canada aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reflecting its commitment to sustainability [5] Marketing and Promotions - The "Zootopia 2" livery is the third Disney-themed aircraft for Air Canada, following previous collaborations featuring "Wish" and "Turning Red" [3][4] - The marketing strategy includes a contest for Aeroplan Members, with two vacation packages valued at approximately $16,786.22 CAD each [7]