MONTRÉAL, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A statement from Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. “I want to reiterate my deepest condolences to the families of the Jazz Captain and First Officer who tragically lost their lives, and recognize the profound impact this accident has had on our employees and customers. Air Canada is cooperating fully with U.S. and Canadian authorities in the investigation. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, it is my duty t ...

Core Insights - Air Canada has been recognized as one of Montreal's Top Employers for the 13th consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive workplace [1][3] Group 1: Employee Commitment - The recognition reflects Air Canada's sustained investment in its people programs, emphasizing a workplace where employees feel supported [3] - The Elevate leadership development program and the UBY (Unlock the Best in You) employee well-being program are key initiatives that contribute to this recognition [3] Group 2: Additional Recognitions - Air Canada has also been acknowledged as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2026 and one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People for the third consecutive year [6] Group 3: 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 [5] - The airline's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program with over 10 million members [5] - Air Canada aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of its climate-related ambitions [5]

Core Insights - Air Canada has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2026, marking the eighth time in a decade the airline has received this accolade [1] - The recognition highlights Air Canada's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing collaboration among employees, resource groups, and community partners [3] - The airline continues to promote an inclusive workplace through strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at underrepresented communities [4] 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 [6] - The airline has a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and operates a premier travel loyalty program, Aeroplan, with over 10 million members [6] - Air Canada also offers extensive travel options through Air Canada Vacations, covering hundreds of destinations worldwide [6] Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives - The airline connects with underrepresented communities to share aviation career opportunities and provides scholarships for those studying to be pilots and aircraft mechanics [7] - Air Canada has established a governance structure to support inclusion and belonging at all organizational levels [7] - The company celebrates workforce diversity through Employee Resource Groups and Champions for inclusion [7] Environmental Commitment - Air Canada has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of its climate-related ambitions [8]

Core Viewpoint - Air Canada has suspended its service to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel, and will operate empty flights to return approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba back to Canada [1][2][4]. Group 1: Service Suspension and Customer Return - Effective February 9, 2026, Air Canada has suspended its flights to Cuba due to an ongoing aviation fuel shortage [1]. - The airline will operate empty flights to Cuba to pick up around 3,000 customers and return them to Canada [1][4]. - As of February 10, aviation fuel is projected to be unavailable at Cuban airports, prompting Air Canada to tanker in extra fuel for remaining flights [2]. Group 2: Customer Support and Refund Policies - Air Canada has introduced a flexible rebooking policy for customers traveling to Cuba and is now offering a refund policy for those affected by flight cancellations [5]. - Customers currently in Cuba who booked Air Canada Vacations packages can receive direct support from local representatives [6]. Group 3: Flight Schedule and Future Operations - Air Canada typically operates 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba, but seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled for the remainder of the season [7]. - Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart planned for May 1, pending review [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Air Canada Foundation has launched the Big Dreams Grant Program to support organizations that enhance the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada through sports and active recreation [1][4]. Grant Program Details - The program includes two grants of $100,000 each: the Healthy Futures Grant for sport-based programs promoting wellness and resilience among equity-deserving youth, and the Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant for initiatives enabling youth with disabilities to participate in physical activities [3]. - Applications for the grants are open until March 15, 2026, targeting Canadian charitable organizations that serve equity-deserving youth and children with disabilities [4]. Air Canada Foundation Overview - 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-registered charities [5]. - Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to pediatric hospitals, and fundraising activities like the Every Bit Counts program [5].

Core Insights - The new loyalty program's target market remains unclear, with comparisons being made to existing programs like Air Canada's Aeroplan and the previous BonBon program [1][7] - The potential for a consumer-facing loyalty program could enhance engagement, similar to offerings from other airlines like WestJet and Porter [2] - The loyalty program is a fundamental aspect of Air Transat's business strategy, aimed at strengthening customer relationships and creating sustainable value [8] Financial Performance - Air Transat reported its first full-year profit since 2018, earning $241.9 million for the fiscal year, a significant turnaround from a $114 million loss in fiscal 2024 [9] Market Position - Air Transat primarily serves destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe, with limited U.S. destinations, as demand for flights to certain U.S. locations has decreased [10]

Core Insights - Air Canada has been recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People for the third consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation [1][3] Group 1: Human Resources Initiatives - The company offers innovative HR programs, including language training, a buddy system for young professionals, and ongoing engagement events throughout the year [1][3] - Air Canada has invested in programs to develop cross-functional skills necessary for future leadership, aligning with its strategic growth phase known as New Frontiers [3] Group 2: Internship and Development Programs - Air Canada provides paid internship programs across various disciplines, welcoming over 100 interns in the past year to gain practical skills and work experience [4] - The Work Integrated Learning Program aims to expand the talent pool by offering work experience opportunities to post-secondary students from universities across Canada [4] Group 3: Additional Support for Young Professionals - Students have access to online training options to enhance second language skills and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with workshops on CV optimization and interview preparation [5] - The buddy system is designed to help young professionals integrate into the organization, complemented by networking events and career orientation sessions [6] Group 4: Evaluation Criteria for Awards - Employers were evaluated based on their programs to attract and retain younger workers, including benefits like tuition assistance, mentorship, and career management programs [7]

Core Message - Air Canada is launching a new campaign featuring Tyler McGregor, captain of Canada's Para ice hockey team, to inspire Canadians as the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games approach [1][3][4] Group 1: Campaign Overview - The campaign titled "Tyler's Walk" highlights McGregor's resilience and the challenges faced by Team Canada athletes in their pursuit of excellence [3][4] - Air Canada aims to inspire Canadians to believe in their potential despite obstacles, showcasing the dedication of its employees in supporting athletes [4][5] Group 2: Support for Athletes - Air Canada is committed to supporting over 750 athletes, coaches, and delegation members traveling to Italy, facilitated by the employee-driven "Going for Gold" program [5][6] - More than 10,000 Air Canada employees across 23 airports will coordinate travel and ensure the specialized handling of sports equipment and mobility devices for Team Canada [6] Group 3: Fan Engagement and Community Connection - As Team Canada prepares for the Games, Air Canada will host a send-off event at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, featuring live entertainment and interactive experiences [8] - The airline will implement a nationwide content and fan engagement program, including digital campaigns and a national contest inspired by Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors [10][11]

Core Insights - Air Canada has launched a new brand campaign featuring Tyler McGregor, captain of Canada's Para ice hockey team, highlighting the resilience and dedication of Team Canada athletes as they prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games [1][3][4] Group 1: Campaign Overview - The campaign titled "Tyler's Walk" emphasizes McGregor's journey and the challenges faced by athletes in pursuit of their dreams, aiming to inspire Canadians [3][4] - Air Canada expresses pride in supporting athletes through its employee-driven "Going for Gold" program, which assists over 750 athletes, coaches, and delegation members during their journey to Italy [5][6] Group 2: Operational Support - More than 10,000 Air Canada employees across 23 airports will coordinate athlete travel and manage specialized handling of sports equipment and mobility devices [6] - The airline has been the Official Airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007, showcasing its long-standing commitment to supporting Canadian athletes [6] Group 3: Fan Engagement - Air Canada plans to enhance fan engagement through a nationwide content program featuring Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors, including digital campaigns and personal storytelling [10] - A national contest will be launched, inspired by the athletes' favorite destinations, offering fans opportunities to win trips related to the athletes' journeys [11]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed agreement between Air Canada and PAL Airlines aims to enhance regional connectivity in Eastern Canada by extending their existing partnership until 2032 and increasing the number of aircraft involved in the agreement [1][3]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The existing commercial agreement between Air Canada and PAL Airlines will be extended by four years to 2032 [1][3]. - The number of PAL Airlines aircraft covered by the agreement will increase from six to eleven, adding five additional Dash 8-400 aircraft [1][3]. Group 2: Company Statements - Air Canada emphasizes its commitment to regional connectivity, stating that the agreement will protect existing services from Montréal to destinations in Québec and New Brunswick while supporting the growth of its regional network [2]. - PAL Airlines expresses pride in expanding its agreement with Air Canada, highlighting the confidence this extension reflects in its operations and its commitment to regional connectivity [3]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada, providing scheduled service to over 180 airports globally and is a founding member of the Star Alliance [4]. - PAL Airlines, part of the Exchange Income Corporation, has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry, known for safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service [5].