MONTRÉAL, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Canada was named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2026, the eighth time in a decade the airline has received this recognition. "We’re proud to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This award spotlights how our employees, resource groups, champions, leaders, and community partners work together to build a more fair, equitable, and inclusive future where everyone feels they belong," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsle ...

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 - 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].

Core Insights - Air Canada reflects on a successful 2025, celebrating customer loyalty, employee dedication, and partnerships while looking forward to 2026 [1][3] Expansion and Network Growth - Air Canada announced a significant expansion to Latin America with four new destinations, 13 new routes, and a 16% increase in capacity [4] - The airline launched 12 new international destinations in 2025 and announced seven more for 2026, enhancing its position as a major transatlantic carrier [11] Customer Experience Enhancements - Air Canada improved its onboard experience by offering complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks to all customers, including new Canadian-made options [12] - The airline's loyalty program, Aeroplan, reached a milestone of 10 million members and expanded its partnerships to enhance rewards [6] Awards and Recognition - Air Canada received a Five Star Global Airline Award for the sixth consecutive year at the APEX Awards, with its onboard Wi-Fi ranked as the Best Inflight Connectivity [5] - The airline was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, along with multiple other accolades for service and amenities [17][18] Operational Efficiency - Air Canada achieved a notable improvement in on-time performance, ranking in the Top 3 among North American carriers for three months in 2025, with a three-percentage point increase compared to 2024 [15] - The airline completed the electrification of its ground support equipment fleet, transitioning to 100% electric alternatives at its Québec City station [9] Community Engagement - The "Dreams Take Flight" program successfully provided over a thousand children with magical experiences at theme parks in 2025 [10] - Air Canada was recognized for its company culture, receiving awards for diversity and employee wellness initiatives [14]

Core Insights - Air Canada reflects on a successful 2025, highlighting customer loyalty, employee dedication, and partnerships as key to its achievements [1][3] - The airline is optimistic about future growth and plans to build on its successes in 2026 [1][3] Expansion and Network Growth - Air Canada announced a significant expansion of its schedule to Latin America, introducing four new destinations, 13 new routes, and increasing capacity by 16% [4] - In 2025, the airline launched 12 new international destinations and announced seven more for 2026, enhancing its position as a major transatlantic carrier [10] Customer Experience Enhancements - The airline improved its Economy travel experience by offering complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks on all flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean [11] - New onboard features include fast, free Wi-Fi in North America and complimentary beverages for all customers [8] Awards and Recognition - Air Canada received the Five Star Global Airline Award for the sixth consecutive year at the APEX 2026 Awards, with its onboard Wi-Fi ranked as the Best Inflight Connectivity [5] - The airline was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, along with multiple other accolades for its services and employee satisfaction [16] Loyalty Program Growth - Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program reached a milestone of 10 million members in 2025, expanding its partnerships to enhance rewards for members [6] Sustainability Initiatives - The airline achieved 100% electrification of its ground support equipment fleet at the Québec City station, transitioning from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives [7] Operational Performance - Air Canada ranked in the Top 3 for on-time performance among North American carriers for three months in 2025, improving its on-time performance by three percentage points compared to 2024 [14] Community Engagement - The airline's "Dreams Take Flight" program successfully provided over a thousand children across Canada with magical experiences at theme parks in Florida and California [9] Infrastructure Developments - Air Canada opened two new Café locations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, designed to enhance customer experience [15]

Core Insights - 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 tourism opportunities between Canada and Brazil, reflecting Air Canada's commitment to expanding its global network [3][8] Company Developments - The introduction of the Toronto-Rio de Janeiro route is part of Air Canada's strategy to strengthen its presence in the North American market and increase tourism flow to Brazil [5][6] - Air Canada's flights to Rio de Janeiro will be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering various cabin classes including Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy [9] Industry Context - Brazil is experiencing significant growth in international tourism, being recognized as the fastest-growing country in this sector for the year [4] - The new flight service is expected to boost the number of Canadian visitors to Rio de Janeiro, enhancing cultural and business exchanges between the two countries [6][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]