Special Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight Departs Halifax with Kids from across Maritimes

• First Dreams Take Flight trip departing Halifax since 2019
• Second flight of 2023 taking off from across Canada
• Every year, Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight take children facing different challenges on the trip-of-a-lifetime.

MONTREAL, April 26, 2023 /CNW/ – This morning, the first Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight from Atlantic Canada since 2019 took off from Halifax International Airport with 144 children to Orlando to experience the trip-of-a-lifetime. Thanks to the numerous Air Canada employee volunteers, support of the Air Canada Foundation and the work by the Dreams Take Flight organization, eight flights operate annually, providing over 1000 children each year with an unforgettable day at a theme park in Florida or California.

The flight from Halifax left in the early hours of the morning and transported 144 kids to Orlando, accompanied by a crew of current and retired Air Canada employee volunteers focused on creating the most magical experience possible. By generously donating their time, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers, and numerous other employees on the ground and behind the scenes offer children facing mental, physical, or social adversity the chance to take a break from their everyday to make memories and see new possibilities.

“Dreams Take Flight Halifax takes children from all of the Atlantic provinces, which is something that makes our chapter very unique”, said Allison Sinnott, President of Dreams Take Flight Halifax. “It’s difficult to describe what this trip means for them and what it’s like to witness their joy as they make unforgettable memories with new friends. None of this would be possible without our national and local sponsors, so we cannot thank them enough.”

“Partnering with Dreams Take Flight has been a wonderful way for Air Canada, our employees, and the Air Canada Foundation to come together and make the dreams of children facing adversity come true,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who worked so hard to bring together this group of deserving children from across the Atlantic provinces to make magical memories that will last a lifetime.”

Six more flights from across Canada will depart from Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa throughout 2023.

Dreams Take Flight is a non-profit primarily made up of current and retired Air Canada employees who volunteer to make these flights a reality. Over the past 30 years, Air Canada, as exclusive carrier and now through the Air Canada Foundation, has flown more than forty thousand children on Dreams Take Flight trips.

Visit dreamstakeflight.ca to donate or volunteer.

About Dreams Take Flight

Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing the trip of a lifetime to children who may be physically, mentally or socially challenged. With the aid of Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and other national and local organizations and businesses, money is raised to fund the program in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. Funds not required for its primary purpose can be gifted by Dreams Take Flight to other registered charities that benefit physically, mentally or socially challenged children and are within the policies adopted by Dreams Take Flight Canada. The first Dreams Take Flight station was founded in Toronto in 1989. Since then, the organization has taken over 40,000 special children to Florida and California.

About the Air Canada Foundation

The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

Air Canada Marks Earth Day with Purchase of 9.5 Million Litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

• SAF is a core pillar of airline’s Climate Action Plan
• 9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions equaling approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO2e calculated with a full life cycle assessment
• Equivalent of GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest in one year

MONTREAL, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada marks Earth Day by announcing the purchase of 9.5 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline continues advancing initiatives in its Climate Action Plan by strengthening its partnership with SAF producer, Neste, to power flights with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel^TM from San Francisco International Airport. The 9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions of approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO₂e calculated based on a full lifecycle assessment. The 23,500 tonnes of CO₂e are equivalent to the annual GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest as per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency equivalencies calculator.

“At Air Canada, we have adopted a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change and sustainability. Environmental and social factors are incorporated into our strategic decisions, as are our fleet purchases and daily operations through our support of low-carbon alternatives. SAF comprises one of our core pillars in pursuing our net-zero emission targets. We have been purchasing Neste’s SAF since February 2022. Today’s announced purchase represents a five-fold increase in our SAF procurement year over year and is an important step towards our target of one per cent fuel to be SAF by 2025, supporting our journey towards our 2050 net zero decarbonization goals,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO at Air Canada.

“Decarbonising aviation is more important than ever and Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry move towards a more sustainable future. We are proud to support Air Canada in working towards their ambitious goal of net-zero emissions from all its global operations by 2050 by supplying Neste’s SAF which helps enable airlines to reduce their emissions. We look forward to continuing to work together as we increase our annual SAF production capability to 1.5 million tons per annum by the end of 2023,” said Michael Sargeant, Vice President Americas from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.

Through Air Canada’s Leave Less Travel Program, corporate customers and cargo freight forwarders can purchase SAF, carbon offsets or a combination of both to offset or reduce GHG emissions related to business travel or cargo shipments, mitigating their carbon footprint. This program is one of the many comprehensive initiatives being implemented as part of Air Canada’s Climate Action Plan.

Powering aircraft with SAF directly reduces GHG at the source. Sustainable aviation fuel provides an alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. It is widely recognized as a key lever towards achieving aviation’s GHG emission reduction goals. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ could reduce GHG emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to conventional jet fuel.

The current global SAF supply remains extremely limited, costly, and insufficient to support worldwide demand. Air Canada looks forward to working with the Government of Canada to advance the availability and generate a meaningful supply of Canada-produced SAF for commercial aviation which would also support Canada’s position on climate change, the country’s environment goals, as well as the Canadian aviation industry which is an important economic contributor. Air Canada has championed several initiatives in this area, including:

• A founding member of the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF), a not-for-profit organization launched in 2022 seeking to bring together key industry stakeholders and government to accelerate the commercial production and use of Canadian made SAF.
  
• A founding member of, and the first Canadian carrier to join, the Aviation Climate Taskforce (ACT), formed to tackle the challenge of rising CO₂ emissions from commercial aviation. Comprised of ten global airlines and the Boston Consulting Group, the ACT was established to accelerate research and advance innovation related to emerging decarbonization technologies, including through the development of sustainable aviation fuels.
  
• A signatory of the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition. The coalition’s mission is to accelerate the deployment and use of SAF technologies to reach 10% of global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030.
  
• In 2017, supporting the Civil Aviation Alternate Fuel Contrail and Emissions Research project (CAAFCER), led by Canada’s leading research institute, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), to test the environmental benefits of biofuel use on contrail formation. Air Canada flew a series of five biofuel flights, enabling the NRC to measure the impact of biofuel blends on contrail formation by aircraft.
  
• In 2016, joining as lead airline for Canada’s Biojet Supply Chain Initiative (CBSCI) to identify and help solve supply logistic barriers that arise when aviation biofuels are introduced at major Canadian and international airports—to benefit airlines and other stakeholders of biofuel supply chains.
  
• Since 2012, Air Canada has purchased 2,399,435 litres of SAF.

Air Canada continues to work towards its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions from all its global operations by 2050, with absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 for both its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline.

The airline currently reports its annual GHG emissions, targets and climate strategy through the CDP and in 2022 issued its first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures aligned report, available here.  Additional information about Air Canada’s Environmental Social Governance activities is discussed in the airline’s Corporate Sustainability Report, Citizens of the World.

For more information about Air Canada’s environmental and sustainability programs, please visit Leave Less.    

*Calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

Air Canada to Launch New Benefits, Expanded Content and Additional Support as part of its New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) Program for Agencies and Travel Buyers

• Modernized product distribution strategy utilizes IATA NDC industry standards to offer Air Canada’s complete content at the best possible prices
• Travel agencies will have their choice of flexible options to access Air Canada’s NDC program, including through Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
• Air Canada taking steps to ensure continuity and a smooth transition for its global agency partners and collective customers

Montreal, April 19, 2023 – Air Canada today announced its New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) program, which will feature new benefits, expanded content and additional trade support for agencies and travel buyers. The program will provide a competitive alternative to legacy distribution, giving agents access to Air Canada inventory, fares, ancillary services, ticketing, and digital products. For buyers and travellers, NDC technology means their preferred agencies can now offer a broader range of Air Canada travel options and services at the best possible prices, improving competitiveness and the customer experience.

“From local independent agencies to large corporate travel management companies, our travel trade partners were, are, and will always be crucial to Air Canada’s commercial success. As we continue to introduce new products and revenue management capabilities, it’s incumbent on us to provide the travel trade with better technology so that they are well prepared for the future,” said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing & eCommerce at Air Canada. “The transition to modern distribution enables delivery of the full range of content and fares that Air Canada provides, as well as access to the many upcoming products and services that will improve travel.”

Air Canada conducted extensive third-party research to hear first-hand what agencies and customers want from airlines, and its program design addresses key requirements, including on inventory, revenue, functional capabilities, and transition costs. In addition to making available the most comprehensive Air Canada content, the airline’s improved NDC program offers an efficient shopping experience for retail fare products and the elimination of select debit memos. Continuous pricing, as well as the addition of Flight Pass, is planned for 2023. Upgraded service and support levels include dedicated business and IT teams​, 24/7 monitoring​ and near real-time system status. Additional servicing automation options and order change notifications​ are also slated for this year.  

“We recognize the time and effort required by agency partners to transition to new technology and we are committed to supporting them. Their feedback to-date has served to shape our implementation plans. For example, our focus on introducing new content on NDC rather than removing existing content from GDS EDIFACT channels is a direct result of agency partner inputs. We will continue to actively listen to feedback, and we’ll use it to shape our policies and roadmap of future products and features enabled by NDC,” said Lisa M. Pierce, Vice President, Global Sales & Air Canada Vacations at Air Canada.

Air Canada will offer four flexible options for NDC access, each designed to suit different agency business models – ranging from API integration and a free web-based tool, to a growing catalogue of certified technology providers and a GDS-based solution.

As part of Air Canada’s modernization efforts, a Distribution Cost Recovery (DCR) will be introduced to address the high expense of legacy models. This DCR will be applicable to all tickets issued globally via GDS EDIFACT channels effective June 14, 2023. The DCR does not apply to bookings made via any of Air Canada’s NDC connection options including NDC-sourced content in a GDS solution, as well as through Air Canada’s other direct booking channels such as aircanada.com, aircanada.com/agents, Air Canada for Business, and the Air Canada mobile app, or group bookings.

Additional content immediately available on NDC technology includes domestic Basic fares, with best available seat inventory and discounted ancillary pricing becoming available on June 14, 2023. An NDC coupon incentive will also be introduced beginning June 14, 2023, to support agency transition and will apply to eligible NDC bookings made directly with an Air Canada NDC API connection or via select NDC certified technology partners.

Air Canada is committed to providing information, support, and transparent communications including an NDC hub at aircanada.com/ndc with up-to-date program information. Training opportunities, interactive webinars and regular email communication will also be available.

Many of Air Canada’s key agency partners have already begun implementing NDC connectivity, including Priceline, Flight Centre, Fareportal, Flighthub, Hopper, Maritime Travel, Skylink Voyages and Travix. These and other early partners have the opportunity to drive requirements and new functionality as the program develops. 

Air Canada will add NDC features and offerings as new products and services become available. For more information, travel agencies can go to aircanada.com/ndc.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

Aeroplan and Parkland Join Together to Launch New Loyalty Partnership

• Multi-year agreement will create more ways for Canadians to earn and redeem Aeroplan points
• When partnership launches in Fall, 2023, Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards members who link their loyalty accounts will have increased earning and redemption opportunities and greater choice in accessing new benefits
• All Parkland’s Canadian fuel and convenience brands to participate, including Ultramar, Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and ON the RUN and Marché Express
• EV charging rewards also planned for JOURNIE™ Rewards and Aeroplan

MONTREAL, April 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada’s Aeroplan, Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, and Parkland Corporation (TSX:PKI), the company behind popular Canadian fuel and convenience store brands Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, ON the RUN and Marché Express are pleased to announce a new loyalty partnership that will launch in the fall of 2023.

Ian White, Parkland Canada President (left) and Mark Nasr, President of Aeroplan (right). (CNW Group/Air Canada)

Logos (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We are thrilled to come together with the Parkland family of brands to offer Aeroplan members a new way to earn and redeem points in their everyday lives,” said Mark Nasr, President of Aeroplan. “Our members have long been asking for a fuel partner, and Parkland’s extensive reach across Canada, their best-in-class retail experience, and their investments in low carbon fuels and EV charging infrastructure, make them the perfect fit.”

“Our strategic partnership with Aeroplan unites two great Canadian loyalty programs and propels Parkland’s loyalty and organic growth strategies,” said Parkland Canada President, Ian White.

“Parkland’s purpose is to power journeys, and to partner with Canada’s premier travel loyalty program and largest airline is a natural extension of our customer proposition. We are excited to work with Aeroplan to accelerate momentum in our JOURNIE™ Rewards program and provide our customers with even greater choice and value.”

Together, the Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards loyalty programs will have a broader platform to build deeper engagement with millions of members across Canada, providing increased earning and redemption opportunities, greater choice in accessing new benefits, and an unmatched loyalty experience.  More details will be available leading up to the launch in fall of 2023.

Aeroplan offers the ability to earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network, encompassing over 45 airlines serving about 1,400 destinations across the globe. Aeroplan members can redeem for flight rewards on any available Air Canada flight, without blackouts or restrictions, and they don’t pay cash surcharges for redemptions. Aeroplan redemption flights operated by Air Canada are automatically compensated using carbon offsets provided by CHOOOSE, Air Canada’s provider. To learn more about Aeroplan visit aircanada.com/aeroplan

Parkland’s JOURNIE™ Rewards loyalty program provides its customers access to rewards and benefits as they shop across its coast-to-coast network of over 1,100 participating fuel and convenience stores. With real-time fuel discounts, free merchandise and targeted offers, members earn through their purchases of fuel, convenience items, food, and other services, at its participating Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and ON the RUN retail locations. By bringing its family of consumer brands together, Parkland delivers one great customer experience and helps its customers make the most of every stop.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.

About Parkland

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in 25 countries. Its purpose is to Power Journeys and Energize Communities, and every day, Parkland provides over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, Parkland has developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting its customers’ needs for essential fuels, Parkland provides a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultra-fast electric vehicle charging.

Parkland’s proven business model is centered around organic growth and its supply advantage, and is driven by scale, its integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, and focus on acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Parkland’s strategy is focused on developing its existing business in resilient markets, growing its food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Parkland’s business is underpinned by its people, and its values of safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across its organization. To learn more about JOURNIE™ Rewards visit journie.ca.

Marhaba! Air Canada to Launch New Vancouver-Dubai Service

• Only non-stop flights from Western Canada to the Middle East, connecting two iconic, global destinations
• Four times weekly flights begin Oct. 28, 2023, will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai
• Enhanced customer experience offering convenient access to the Middle East, Eastern Africa, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia via Dubai in partnership with Emirates 

MONTREAL, April 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today the strategic expansion of its international network with the addition of new, non-stop flights from its hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Dubai. The new route will operate four times weekly beginning Oct. 28, 2023 onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. The carrier’s new Vancouver-Dubai flights will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai, broadening its presence in fast-growing international markets.

Marhaba! We’re excited to announce new non-stop flights between Vancouver and Dubai starting October 28. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We are extremely pleased to add the only non-stop service linking Vancouver and Dubai, two iconic and vibrant global destinations. Dubai is one of the top destinations worldwide renowned for its extraordinary landmarks, rich culture and entertainment. Vancouver is a top cosmopolitan destination, and this new route offers additional ease to global visitors looking to experience BC’s spectacular natural beauty, range of outdoor activities and exciting adventures. In cooperation with our codeshare and frequent flyer partner Emirates, our Vancouver-Dubai flights will connect to a multitude of destinations across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and East Africa in Dubai, providing customers with choice and convenience while travelling for business or visiting friends and family,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management, at Air Canada.

“Adding this new transportation link from Dubai will allow visitors to more easily and efficiently experience all B.C. has to offer,” said Rob Fleming, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “From the vibrancy of our globally recognized cities to the splendor of Super Natural British Columbia, Air Canada’s new service brings added global connections, that will directly benefit people throughout our province.” 

“We are delighted Air Canada is introducing new service to Dubai from YVR. Direct service to Dubai, with convenient onward connection to southern India and other key destinations across the Middle East, will provide new opportunities for travel, education and access to global markets that will help meet the needs of our community and economy that supports it. I’d like to thank Air Canada for its ongoing commitment to YVR and support with connecting B.C. to the world,” Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority.

“Direct air travel is the lifeline of modern business, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with clients, partners, and opportunities across the globe with speed and efficiency. Connecting Vancouver directly with more destinations brings us closer, drives innovation, and encourages growth in our interconnected world. As such, the investment by Air Canada in this new route will certainly contribute positively to our region,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

“With this new route, British Columbia will be connected to a significant market that can only benefit the province’s visitor economy considering the UAE ranks fifth in the world in terms of outbound expenditures on travel and tourism according to the UNWTO. We congratulate Air Canada in the confidence they are showing our province,” said Walt Judas, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia.

Air Canada’s international services

Air Canada’s international onboard services showcase some of Canada’s best culinary talent through Air Canada’s panel of celebrated chefs, comprising award-winning, Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij, and renowned Montreal chefs Antonio Park and Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.

Customers have opportunities to collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits including Air Canada’s exclusive Signature Suite at YVR.

The Vancouver and Dubai flights will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Seats are available for sale now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Flights have also been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations in Alberta, BC and the western USA via Air Canada’s hub at YVR.

Flight	From	To	Days of Week	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Flight Begins
AC78	YVR (Vancouver)	DXB (Dubai)	Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat	20:50	23:50 (+1 day)	Oct. 28, 2023
AC79	DXB (Dubai)	YVR (Vancouver)	Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat	02:00	05:55	Oct. 30, 2023

Travelling internationally? 

Visit Air Canada’s Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight Return to Skies with Once-in-a-Lifetime Flights to Help Children Make Magical Memories

• First Dreams Take Flight trip departing Canada since 2020
• Eight flights will resume in 2023, taking place from April to November
• Every year, Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight take children facing different challenges on the trip-of-a-lifetime.

MONTREAL, April 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Early this morning, Air Canada and Dreams Take Flight returned to the skies for the first time since 2020 with a plane load of children from Winnipeg to Florida to experience a trip-of-a-lifetime. Thanks to generous volunteers, many Air Canada employees and retirees, the support of the Air Canada Foundation and the work by the Dreams Take Flight organization, eight flights will operate this year, making dreams come true for an estimated 1000 children with an unforgettable day at a theme park in Florida or California.

Dreams Take Flight returns to the skies after three years, bringing children on the trip of a lifetime. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

The flight from Winnipeg left in the early hours of the morning and transported 110 kids to Orlando, accompanied by a crew of Air Canada employee volunteers focused on creating the most magical experience possible. By generously donating their time, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance engineers, and numerous other employees on the ground and behind the scenes offer children facing mental, physical, or social adversity the chance to take a break from their everyday to make memories and see new possibilities.  

“These are children, who would likely never be able to take this trip if it were not for our program and the planes, would never get off the ground if it were not for our main sponsors and donors, like the Air Canada Foundation”, said Bev Watson, President of Dreams Take Flight Canada. “Volunteers from Air Canada, family and friends, as well as the general public spend countless hours to ensure everything is done in preparation for each flight.”

“As a Foundation focused on the health and well-being of children, it is a privilege to work alongside Dreams Take Flight and Air Canada employees to help make this very special experience a reality for these children, letting them be kids for the day,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “A heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer and supporter who helps makes this experience possible.”

Seven additional flights from across Canada will depart from Halifax, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa throughout 2023.

Dreams Take Flight is a non-profit primarily made up of current and retired Air Canada employees and retirees who volunteer to make these flights a reality. Over the past 30 years, Air Canada, as exclusive carrier and now through the Air Canada Foundation, has flown more than forty thousand children on Dreams Take Flight trips.

Visit dreamstakeflight.ca to donate or volunteer.

About Dreams Take Flight

Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing the trip of a lifetime to children who may be physically, mentally or socially challenged. With the aid of Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and other national and local organizations and businesses, money is raised to fund the program in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. Funds not required for its primary purpose can be gifted by Dreams Take Flight to other registered charities that benefit physically, mentally or socially challenged children and are within the policies adopted by Dreams Take Flight Canada. The first Dreams Take Flight station was founded in Toronto in 1989. Since then, the organization has taken over 40,000 special children to Florida and California.

About the Air Canada Foundation

The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

The Man Behind the Lens: Air Canada Photographer Brian Losito Retires After 36-Year Career

Mar 2023

After decades of being witness to Air Canada’s history, the airline’s corporate photographer, Brian Losito, is retiring.

Over the years, his award-winning images have told the story of Air Canada. Through his eyes, the world has come to know the airline’s people, aircraft, products and services in advertising, posters, corporate magazines, annual reports, and social media channels.

“Brian has not only witnessed but actually participated in so much of Air Canada’s history, up close and personal. From capturing images of our aircraft during air-to-air photography, to the thousands of employees he has photographed working to serve our customers, his pictures have recorded and helped share our story. He is a rare individual who has excelled at what is probably one of the world’s rarest jobs, a full-time airline photographer,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.

Brian is only the third corporate photographer in Air Canada’s more than 85-year history. Starting as a technician in the dark room in 1987, his career has spanned 10 CEOs, more than a dozen different aircraft types, and several iterations of the iconic Air Canada livery.

One special memory was the opportunity to take awe-inspiring aircraft photos, which have been seen globally, during air-to-air filming missions.

“This is the dream part of the job if you’re an aviation guy… planes are fun, and when you’re in the air, no one gets to do things like this. It’s extreme,” he said.

To showcase Air Canada’s latest livery, he soared on a Learjet in close formation with an Air Canada Boeing 787, snapping air-to-air photos from all angles of the aircraft.  To complete the assignment, he then took to a chartered helicopter for up-close photos of the aircraft on take-off and landing. Adding to the magic, Canada’s spectacular West Coast scenery served as a backdrop.

“I want snow-capped mountains, I want the ocean, I would ideally like white fluffy clouds.”

His favourite camera from the film era was the Pentax 645, but for digital his choice is his current camera, the Nikon D4, chosen for its ruggedness, durability and outstanding image quality.

“What I’ll miss most about this job is the people, the people you get to meet at Air Canada. Fantastic, inspiring people. Those people inspire me and it’s going to be the biggest challenge as I retire,” he said.

By the numbers:

Years at Air Canada: 36

CEOs photographed: 10

Air-to-air photography missions: 10

Aircraft types photographed: 18

Liveries photographed: 8

Cameras: 5 (film) and 5 (digital)

Air Canada Announces Retirement of Amos Kazzaz, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Amos Kazzaz

MONTREAL, April 11, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today that Amos Kazzaz, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will retire on June 30, 2023. Mr. Kazzaz will be succeeded by John Di Bert, who has an aviation background and is currently Chief Financial Officer of Clarios International Inc.

“During his 13-year career at Air Canada, Amos has held the two most senior financial roles, and has made a tremendous contribution to the overall success of our company. He has been a strong partner to me and a positive representative of Air Canada to many external stakeholders,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

“Helped by Amos’ guidance and decisions, Air Canada has made material progress in many areas, including fleet management, cost reduction and efficiency, and business and strategic planning and execution. He also played a leadership role in strengthening our balance sheet and cash flow, positioning us to withstand COVID’s impact and ensure we had the resilience to spring back quickly by allowing us to invest for our future growth. Almost as much as his financial and leadership skills, his sense of humour, energy level and commitment will be missed by everyone at Air Canada, who all join me in wishing Amos a long, happy retirement.”

New CFO Announced

John Di Bert

Mr. Rousseau further stated: “I am pleased to also announce that John Di Bert will be our new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective July 1. John has extensive experience in both aerospace and senior leadership roles. He has served as CFO for both Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney Canada. He also brings varied and extensive experience, as during his career he has managed total enterprise performance, executed M&A strategies, undertaken debt and equity capital markets transactions, and led strategic planning.

“We are excited to have attracted someone of his calibre to help lead Air Canada to realize its full potential following the pandemic. A native of Montreal, John will join Air Canada May 1 to allow for an effective transition. On behalf of all employees, I welcome John to Air Canada and look forward to working closely with him.”

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

Air Canada and Amadeus Expand Strategic Partnership

• New, multi-year distribution agreement includes full range of NDC-sourced content
• Travel sellers to benefit from long-term roadmap offering additional features and new content
• Air Canada to implement Altéa NDC to optimize distribution via the Amadeus Travel Platform

MONTREAL, April 6, 2023 – As New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology continues to create new retailing opportunities for airlines around the world, Air Canada and Amadeus have expanded their long-standing partnership. Air Canada will enable access to its full range of NDC-sourced content through the Amadeus Travel Platform by leveraging Altéa NDC, Amadeus’ IT solution that enables airlines to provide enhanced travel retail experiences by distributing personalized and tailored offers. Additionally, the airline’s traditionally sourced content (EDIFACT) will be available worldwide to travel sellers and corporations that utilize the Amadeus Travel Platform. 

“Amadeus and Air Canada have a long-standing history of partnering to improve the travel experience and empower travel sellers. We’re proud to take this significant next step by offering our NDC content for the first time through a GDS. Now Agencies and Travel Buyers will have access to our most complete range of content and be well-equipped for the introduction of new products and capabilities,” said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing & eCommerce at Air Canada. “For buyers and travellers, this means their preferred agency, whether a local independent or large travel management provider, will be able to offer a broader range of rich Air Canada content, travel options and services via the Amadeus Travel Platform at the most competitive prices.” 

As an Amadeus Altéa customer for its passenger service system, Air Canada will benefit from a single passenger name record (PNR) for managing the end-to-end passenger experience. Advantages also include increased efficiency and seamless integration of Altéa NDC with the Amadeus Travel Platform, enabling travel sellers to efficiently shop, book and manage NDC-sourced travel content.

“We’re pleased to build on our strategic partnership with Air Canada, providing the airline technology to manage distribution of its NDC content with full integration through the Amadeus Travel Platform,” said Rajiv Rajian, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Americas, Amadeus. “It is important to us that our travel seller customers have choice and access to the best offers via the Amadeus Travel Platform. With our expanded partnership, Air Canada will have the capabilities to distribute tailored and enriched offers and will provide Amadeus travel seller customers with its full range of NDC content.”

These advancements further build upon a successful partnership between the two companies. Over the last decade, Amadeus and Air Canada have worked together to introduce a modern reservation system, new and expanded website and mobile app functionalities, an industry-leading loyalty shopping and redemption experience, and expanded connectivity to dozens of partner airlines around the world.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.

About Amadeus

Travel powers progress. Amadeus powers travel. Amadeus’ solutions connect travelers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways.

We have developed our technology in partnership with the travel industry for over 30 years. We combine a deep understanding of how people travel with the ability to design and deliver the most complex, trusted, critical systems our customers need. In 2019, we helped connect over 1.9 billion people to local travel providers in over 190 countries.

We have a global mindset and a local presence wherever our customers need us.

Our purpose is to shape the future of travel. We are passionate in our pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Amadeus is an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC. The company has also been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last ten years.

Air Canada Extends Expiration Of Miles, Aeroplan Points Won’t Expire Until September 30, 2024

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