MONTREAL, October 6, 2022 – Air Canada Cargo today announced that starting in November, it will expand its freighter network into the United States for the first time, with flights to Dallas and Atlanta. The addition of these key US markets is a significant milestone for Air Canada Cargo and allows Air Canada Cargo to provide dedicated, reliable service to customers in key markets, and allowing easy connection to other markets through our global hub in Toronto.
Air Canada Cargo is also expanding its presence in Latin America with service to Bogota.
“These additional routes allow us to expand the reach of our freighter network to key US markets, and conveniently connect cargo in the USA to Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific with our freighter service. The additional growth of our freighter fleet allows us to continue to expand to better serve our global customers and we remain committed to supporting global economies and supply chains with reliable transportation moving critical goods,” said Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial, at Air Canada Cargo.
In addition to the eight converted Boeing 767 freighters already announced, Air Canada Cargo continues to expand its freighter fleet, with two factory-built 767-300F that will enter service in 2023 and two Boeing 777 freighters that will enter service in 2024.
About Air Canada Cargo
Air Canada Cargo is an award-winning provider of air cargo services. It is Canada’s largest air cargo provider as measured by cargo capacity, with a presence in over 50 countries and self-handled hubs in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, London, and Frankfurt. As the dedicated air freight division of Air Canada, Air Canada Cargo offers reliable air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s domestic and international passenger flights, cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft, and trucking services. For more information, please visit: aircanadacargo.com
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Members can use points to book top hotel brands worldwide with up to 30% fewer points
39 hotel brands across 11 chains to participate at launch
Another global first for Aeroplan, helping to cement its position as Canada’s go-to travel rewards program for travelers—both frequent and occasional
MONTREAL, Oct. 5, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Aeroplan, Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, today launched HotelSavers, allowing members to book stays with Aeroplan points at preferential rates at a broad range of acclaimed hotels worldwide.
“When Canadians want to fly on points, they can already count on Aeroplan as Aeroplan credit card holders can redeem for Air Canada flight rewards for an average of 30% fewer points than if they used points for non-Aeroplan Canadian bank-based travel programs. However, no one has focused on delivering Canadians a great hotel rewards program – that changes today. With HotelSavers, we’re now offering Aeroplan members great options to book hotels using their points – without compromising the excellent value they’ve come to expect. HotelSavers is yet another way we’re investing to solidify Aeroplan as the go-to rewards choice for all Canadians who travel,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product at Air Canada.
Members get great value for their points with HotelSavers, thanks to Aeroplan’s direct partnerships with hotels and exclusively negotiated redemption rates: savings in points are up to 30% versus non-HotelSavers hotels available on the member exclusive reservation platform. A simple rewards grid makes it easy to know how many points you need for stays at one of eight reward categories, ranging from economy to luxury. There are stays to suit every budget, from as few as 10,000 points per night for a standard room with no restrictions on room availability.
Taxes are always included and all Aeroplan HotelSavers properties offer an option to book a refundable rate. Some HotelSavers properties also offer non-refundable options for even fewer points. Additionally, members have the option to redeem 50/50 (points plus cash) to pay for their stays.
HotelSavers is launching with 39 world-class hotel brands for redemption, including some of the world’s most coveted hotels and unique properties, including:
(Luxury) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels and others;
(Premium) Le Germain Hotels, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Pullman, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and others;
(Midscale & Economy) Coast Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels, Novotel Hotels & Resorts, Alt Hotels; Ibis and Ibis Styles;
HotelSavers offers the best member value for Aeroplan points outside of flights. In addition, borrowing from the best of Aeroplan flight redemptions, there are aspirational “sweet spots” to uncover where value on hotels is even better than the typical value per point when purchasing flights.
Examples of Canadian locations include five-star hotels like the Shangri-La Vancouver and the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, which can be booked for as little as 45,000 points and 35,000 points per night respectively; plus both the InterContinental Montreal and the Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa can be booked for as little as 25,000 points per night, all including taxes. For international locations, the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii and the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in the Cayman Islands can be booked for as little as 75,000 points and 55,000 points per night respectively, including taxes. Members should look for the “HotelSavers” tag on properties and see the value for themselves.
“As one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, we have more than 6,000 hotels and 17 brands globally to meet the needs and budgets for all types of travelers. From Holiday Inn Express to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to InterContinental Hotels, we have a wide range of properties that allow our guests to craft the hotel experiences and rewards that work best for them. We are proud to now be able to offer Aeroplan members amazing value at many of our properties around the world through HotelSavers,” said Heather Balsley, SVP Global Loyalty and Partnerships, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“We pioneered the boutique hotel concept in Canada and we are honoured to extend our famous hospitality to even more Aeroplan members as one of the select few hotel groups in the world in the HotelSavers network. As the only genuinely Canadian hotel group in our country, working with Canada’s flag carrier, Air Canada, is a perfect pairing,” said Christiane Germain, Co-President, Germain Hôtels.
Since relaunching in 2020, the Aeroplan program has continued to deliver world-class partnerships for its members. On top of its industry-leading, 45 airline partners for flight rewards, the program has expanded to retail partners like Starbucks and Ontario’s LCBO, and additional travel partners like Uber. With HotelSavers, Aeroplan has added over 7,000 points hotels around the world to choose from, giving members even more ways than ever to redeem their Aeroplan points.
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
MONTREAL, Oct. 4, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program has been recognized for Best Earning and Redemption Ability (Americas) in a survey of global frequent flyers by the Frequent Traveler (FT) People’s Awards, which celebrate excellence in loyalty programs globally. The award recognizes Aeroplan’s extensive air reward program, and this honour follows on the heels of winning Best Redemption Ability at the 2022 Freddie Awards.
“We believe that becoming the best travel loyalty program starts with making rewards rewarding for our members, and that’s why it’s such an honour to earn this recognition,” said Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s Vice President, Loyalty and Product.
The transformed Aeroplan program, re-launched in November 2020, is designed to put the member experience first. Aeroplan offers flight rewards to thousands of destinations worldwide on Air Canada and more than 45 partner airlines. With predictable pricing, with access to every seat available on Air Canada flights, no carrier surcharges on Air Canada redemptions, plus features like Family Sharing, it is easier than ever to find great uses of Aeroplan points. Members also have an integrated booking experience, with the ability to search for and redeem flight rewards at aircanada.com or on the Air Canada app, including the ability to add a stopover to an international itinerary for just 5,000 points.
Stay tuned for more exciting things to come from Aeroplan.
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
MONTREAL, Oct. 3, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Your donations will go a long way in helping many kids across Canada fly for essential medical appointments. This year’s campaign continues the tradition of helping children reach medical care not available in their local community. In 2021, the Aeroplan Points Matching Week supported 337 flights, or nearly one child per day.
“Your generosity, year after year, truly makes a difference in the lives of children and their families. Through the precious contribution of Aeroplan and its members we’ve been able to reduce costs or travel times associated with receiving medical treatments that can be thousands of kilometres away by connecting hospitals and sick children,” said Valérie Durand, spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “We are grateful to Aeroplan Members for their donations, which relieve a burden and ultimately allow parents to focus on their children during difficult times.”
Until October 9, members who donate Aeroplan points to the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program will double the impact of their contribution as the value of the points donated will be matched, up to 500,000 points, by Aeroplan. Through the generosity of Aeroplan Members, the Air Canada Foundation donates Aeroplan points to 15 paediatric hospitals across Canada every year to help children reach the medical care they need away from home.
“Over the past decade, the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation program has been an invaluable partner for children’s health. They have contributed to the cause of children’s health in so many ways. Their ongoing support helps children and their families access much needed medical care far away from home,” said Mark Hierlihy, President and CEO of Canada Children’s Hospital Foundations. “The impacts of this program have been overwhelming. All children should have the right to medical care, and increasing access makes this possible, getting kids back to being kids again.”
Since the introduction of the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program in 2003, sick children, accompanied by a parent, have been able to obtain the medical care needed away from home. Driving long hours can be strenuous for both the child and the parent, especially when several visits to the hospital are required each month or when treatments last several months. Travelling by air helps families avoid tiring hours on the road and alleviates some of the financial burden of travel expenses, which can cause serious economic and emotional hardship to families. For more information on the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program and its impact, visit www.aircanada.com/foundation.
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Halifax-Newark, Vancouver-Houston flights convenient for customers
MONTREAL, Oct. 3, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced new, daily transborder flights between Halifax-and-Newark and Vancouver-and-Houston. The year-round routes will start in December and conveniently link these major urban markets, as well as provide easy onward connections through Air Canada’s and its partner United Airlines’ global networks.
“With these new routes from Halifax and Vancouver, Air Canada is meeting demand in these important markets and building on our strengthened trans-border partnership with United Airlines to solidify our leadership in the Canada-U.S. market,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. “These routes will give customers in Atlantic and Western Canada more convenient options for flying to the U.S. They will reinforce the already strong links between Atlantic Canada and New York, while for customers in Western Canada they will provide more options for reaching destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean through United Airlines’ Houston hub. They will also facilitate many new one-stop connections from the U.S. onto Air Canada’s extensive domestic and global network.”
Air Canada is the foreign carrier with the largest number of flights to the U.S. Including these new routes, Air Canada’s U.S. network will be 6 per cent above its 2019, pre-pandemic capacity for the summer season of 2023. It serves 51 U.S. airports.
Halifax-Newark
Air Canada’s new, year-round Halifax-Newark route will begin December 16, 2022. It will operate daily with an Air Canada Express Q-400 in an all-Economy cabin configuration. The non-stop service is timed to connect conveniently to and from regional centres in Atlantic Canada and, in the U.S., with a variety of destinations through United Airlines’ network.
Flight
Route
Departs
Arrives
Frequency
AC8670
Halifax-Newark
11:45
13:04
Daily
AC8669
Newark-Halifax
13:45
16:35
Daily
Vancouver-Houston
Air Canada’s new, year-round Vancouver-Houston route will begin December 16, 2022. It will be operated daily with an Air Canada Airbus A220, offering Business and Economy cabins. The non-stop service provides increased options from Western Canada to Texas and connections onward through United Airlines to Latin America and the Caribbean, while providing new convenient one-stop connections from the U.S. to Air Canada’s Asia-Pacific network from the airline’s Vancouver hub.
Flight
Route
Departs
Arrives
Frequency
AC1300
Vancouver-Houston
08:45
15:08
Daily
AC1301
Houston-Vancouver
16:30
19:15
Daily
All flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, where available, for eligible customers and Aeroplan members, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits.
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
SYDNEY, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), provider of world-leading logistics execution platform CargoWise, has added Air Canada Cargo to its network to enable freight forwarders to efficiently choose, book, confirm and change shipments, in real-time from within the CargoWise platform. Air Canada Cargo becomes the first North American air carrier to offer direct data integration with CargoWise.
The direct data connection with Air Canada Cargo’s platform allows CargoWise customers, which includes some of the world’s largest freight forwarders, direct access to Air Canada Cargo’s schedules, rates, capacity and inventory.
Matthieu Casey, Managing Director, Commercial, at Air Canada Cargo said: “We are continually seeking ways to enhance the services we offer to the freight forwarding community and are happy to integrate CargoWise into our network. This delivers an efficient and simplified booking experience for our cargo customers.”
Jorre Cobelens, Vice President – Logistics Data and Connectivity, WiseTech Global, said “Air Canada Cargo is leading the way for North American air cargo operators to offer a more efficient cargo booking and management experience via direct data integration with CargoWise. The easy access to timely information to make informed decisions with transparency at every stage of the process improves efficiency and flexibility for the airline and their customers.
“CargoWise now enables direct data exchange with most API connectable airlines, including Air Canada Cargo. Our vision is for CargoWise to be the operating system for global logistics, increasing productivity, visability and data security across the end-to-end ecosystem,” said Mr Cobelens.
Option for customers to purchase carbon offsets now integrated seamlessly into the flight booking process through Air Canada’s North America websites
MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today introduced CHOOOSE, a global climate technology company as the airline’s new carbon offset program provider. The option to purchase verified carbon offsets is now seamlessly integrated into the airline’s Canadian and US booking websites. Customers who are interested in learning more about CO2 emissions and compensating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their flights can now do so directly when booking through aircanada.com.
“At Air Canada, we take a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change and sustainability. Environmental and social factors are incorporated into our strategic decisions, including in fleet purchases as well as daily operations through our support of low-carbon alternatives. High quality climate offsets remain one of several important tools in reaching net-zero emissions. People are increasingly interested in responsibly reducing the environmental footprint associated with travel. With the evolution of our carbon offset program, we are introducing greater convenience and ease for customers choosing to help mitigate air travel GHG emissions and support a range of trusted global climate projects which align with UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada.
“CHOOOSE is proud to support Air Canada’s leadership in seamlessly integrating climate solutions within their flight booking experience. We see an increasing demand from individuals and companies around the world wanting to understand and reduce the CO2 emissions associated with their travel, and to address the emissions that do happen by supporting both immediately available and future-looking climate solutions. We are excited to take this step with Air Canada in their multi-faceted, ambitious climate program. Together we are making climate action more accessible for people worldwide,” said Andreas Slettvoll, CEO at CHOOOSE.
Air Canada’s new carbon offset program is integrated into its Canadian and US websites booking process, where the CHOOOSE platform automatically estimates GHG emissions of the customer’s journey and allows them to voluntarily elect to offset the GHG emissions associated with their flight. If purchased, the contribution is automatically made to CHOOOSE, who will then provide a certificate confirming the customer’s climate offset purchase.
Aeroplan members also have options to redeem points in exchange for carbon offsets provided by CHOOOSE via the Aeroplan e-Store.
Customers booking Air Canada flights via other channels have the option to estimate their flight’s CO2 emissions and purchase carbon offsets at any time at: https://aircanada.chooose.today
Additional information on how CHOOOSE supports carbon calculations is here.
The selected climate projects support several major sustainability programs that deliver benefits both in Canada and internationally and that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals from No Poverty and Zero Hunger to Climate Action and Life Below Water. Projects supported include forestry projects in Canada, forest management and mangrove ecosystem programs in Central and South America, and clean cooking solutions for Indigenous peoples in South Asia. Additional information about these projects offered by CHOOOSE may be found here.
Air Canada has committed to 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. For more information about Air Canada’s environmental and sustainability programs, please visit Leave Less.
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 celebrating its 25thanniversary in 2022. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 86 internationally. It is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, which in 2021 gave Air Canada awards for the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, and an excellence award for managing COVID-19. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
About CHOOOSE
CHOOOSE™ is a climate tech company headquartered in Oslo, Norway, that builds digital tools so that everyone, anywhere, can easily integrate climate action into everyday life and business. Through flexible integrations, automated carbon emission calculations, and a connected marketplace of certified climate solutions, CHOOOSE delivers a complete platform that enables its partners to build and manage high-impact climate programs. Learn more at www.chooose.today
Further streamlining is needed to benefit travellers, economy
MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2022 /CNW/ – Air Canada today welcomed the Government of Canada’s decision to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including requirements for wearing masks on aircraft, testing and quarantine, and the compulsory use of ArriveCan beginning October 1, 2022.
“Air Canada welcomes the removal of these restrictions, acknowledging that air travel is safe and that the measures were not justified by science. . We believe it will greatly facilitate travel, help to continue stabilizing the country’s air transport sector and support Canada’s economy. Customers and crew will still have the option to wear masks and we also encourage customers to monitor their own health to be sure they feel well and fit to travel,” said Craig Landry, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.
“While today’s announcement is a positive step, we urge the government not to lose momentum. Lessons learned during the pandemic should now be applied to streamlining the air transport system in Canada and to enact further reforms. This includes improving processes, such as security and customs at airports, developing new trusted traveller programs, deploying new technologies and, more fundamentally, re-examining the user-pay model that finances air transportation in Canada, whose weaknesses and interdependencies were exposed by COVID.”
The relaxed measures announced today are expected to advance Air Canada’s ongoing recovery from COVID. Working with our partners and stakeholders in the industry, we are returning to pre-pandemic service levels. This includes significant improvements in on-time performance as compared to earlier in the summer, meaningful reductions in delays and cancellations, a daily flight completion factor now over 98%, as well as baggage handling performance that has fully restabilized at pre-pandemic levels.
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 passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the United States and 69 internationally. 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 flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
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