History of Air Canada in Timeline

Air Canada, founded in 1937 and headquartered in Montreal, is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. It provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo, serving 222 destinations worldwide. Air Canada operates major hubs in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, and is a founding member of the Star Alliance.

1936: Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) Created

In 1936, the Canadian federal government created Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), the precursor to Air Canada.

April 1937: Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) Created

On April 11, 1937, Air Canada's predecessor, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), was created as a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway (CNR).

September 1937: Passenger Flights Begin

On September 1, 1937, passenger flights began with an Electra carrying two passengers and mail from Vancouver to Seattle for a $14.20 round trip.

1937: Air Canada Founded

In 1937, Air Canada was founded as the flag carrier and the largest airline of Canada.

July 1938: First Flight Attendants Hired

On July 1, 1938, TCA hired its first flight attendants.

1938: First Transcontinental Flight Routes

In 1938, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) began operating its first transcontinental flight routes.

April 1939: Transcontinental Routes Launched

On April 1, 1939, Transcontinental routes from Montreal to Vancouver began, using 12 Lockheed Model 14 Super Electras and six Lockheed Model 18 Lodestars.

January 1940: Airline Growth

By January 1940, the airline had grown to about 579 employees.

1942: Merger Proposal Rejected

In 1942, a merger proposal with Canadian Pacific Airlines (CP Air) was rejected by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, introducing legislation regulating TCA as the only airline allowed to provide transcontinental flights in Canada.

1949: Headquarters Moved to Montreal

In 1949, the federal government moved TCA's headquarters from Winnipeg to Montreal.

1953: ReserVec Computer Reservation System Developed

In 1953, TCA became the first airline in the world to use a computer reservation system with remote terminals with the development of the ReserVec.

1964: Logo Use

From 1964 to 1992, design aspects from the logo were used.

1964: Bill to Change Name to Air Canada Submitted

In 1964, Jean Chrétien submitted a private member's bill to change the name of the airline from Trans-Canada Airlines to Air Canada, which TCA had long used as its French-language name. This bill failed but it was later resubmitted and passed.

January 1965: Name Change to Air Canada Takes Effect

On January 1, 1965, the name change from Trans-Canada Airlines to Air Canada took effect. Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, flew on the first aircraft to bear the name and livery of Air Canada.

1965: TCA Renamed Air Canada

In 1965, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) was renamed Air Canada following government approval.

1975: Headquarters location

In 1975, Air Canada was headquartered at 1 Place Ville-Marie in Montreal.

1976: Air Canada Becomes Independent Crown Corporation

In 1976, Air Canada became an independent Crown corporation with reorganization at CNR.

1976: New leadership structure

Since 1976, Air Canada has been led by a CEO and President, after previously being a department of the Canadian National Railway.

1978: Air Canada Act

In 1978, The Air Canada Act ensured that the carrier would compete on a more equal footing with rival regional airlines and CP Air, and ended the government's direct regulatory control over Air Canada's routings, fares, and services. In 1978 Judy Cameron became the first female pilot hired to fly for any major Canadian carrier when she was hired to fly by Air Canada.

1985: Government Willingness to Privatize

By 1985, the Canadian government was indicating a willingness to privatize both Canadian National Railways and Air Canada.

December 1987: Fleet-wide Non-Smoking Policy

On December 7, 1987, Air Canada became the first airline in the world with a fleet-wide non-smoking policy.

1987: Airline Market Deregulation

In 1987, The deregulation of the Canadian airline market, under the new National Transportation Act, officially opened the airline market in Canada to equal competition.

1987: No-smoking flights test

In the spring of 1987, Air Canada enacted no-smoking flights between Canada and New York City as a test.

1988: Privatization of Air Canada

In 1988, Air Canada was privatized after the deregulation of the Canadian airline market in the 1980s.

1988: Air Canada Privatized

In 1988, Air Canada was privatized, and 43% of shares were sold on the public market, with the initial public offering completed in October of that year.

1989: Air Canada Completely Privatized

In 1989, Air Canada became completely privatized. The successful privatization program was led by the President and CEO, Pierre J. Jeanniot.

1989: Full Privatization

In 1989, Air Canada became fully privatized.

1990: Headquarters relocation

In 1990, Air Canada moved its headquarters to the airport to cut costs.

1992: Last Canadian President

Calin Rovinescu became the first Canadian President since Claude Taylor in 1992.

1992: Logo Use

From 1964 to 1992, design aspects from the logo were used.

1992: enRoute Card Business Sold

In 1992, Air Canada sold the enRoute card business to Diners Club.

1994: Air Canada Returns to Profitability

By 1994, Air Canada returned to profitability. That same year also saw the carrier winning route access to fly from Canada to the new Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan.

1995: New Trans-border Routes Added

In 1995, taking advantage of a new US-Canada open skies agreement, Air Canada added 30 new trans-border routes.

May 1997: Air Canada Joins Star Alliance

In May 1997, Air Canada became a founding member of the Star Alliance, launching codeshares with several of the alliance's members.

September 1998: Pilots' Strike

On September 2, 1998, pilots for Air Canada launched the company's first pilots' strike, demanding higher wages.

1999: Takeover Bids and Consolidation

At the end of 1999, the Canadian government relaxed some aviation regulations, aiming to consolidate the Canadian airline industry. American Airlines and Onex Corp launched takeover bids for Canadian Airlines and Air Canada, spurring Air Canada to submit a competing offer for its largest rival.

1999: Profits Total $1 Billion

The second half of the 1990s saw the airline earn consistent profits, totalling $1 billion for the 1997 to 1999 period.

January 2000: Acquisition of Canadian Airlines

In January 2000, Air Canada acquired Canada's second-largest air carrier, Canadian Airlines International, becoming the world's twelfth-largest airline.

January 2000: Air Canada Takes Over Canadian Airlines

In January 2000, Air Canada took over its largest rival, Canadian Airlines.

January 2001: Service Improvement Pledge

Following integration efforts in summer 2000 that led to flight delays and luggage problems, Air Canada officials pledged to improve service by January 2001.

November 2001: Launch of Air Canada Tango

On 1 November 2001, Air Canada launched Air Canada Tango, designed to offer no-frills service and lower fares.

2001: Consolidation of regional carriers

In 2001, Air Canada consolidated its regional carriers into Air Canada Regional Incorporated.

2002: Financial Losses

Air Canada faced a global aviation market downturn and increased competition, posting back-to-back losses in 2001 and 2002.

2002: Creation of Air Canada Jazz

In 2002, Air Canada completed the consolidation of its regional carriers with the creation of a new brand, Air Canada Jazz.

2002: Launch of Zip

In 2002, Air Canada launched Zip, a discount airline to compete with WestJet on routes in Western Canada.

2002: Completion of new cargo terminal in Toronto

In early 2002, a new cargo terminal was completed in Toronto, featuring modernised inventory and conveyor systems.

April 2003: Files for Bankruptcy Protection

On April 1, 2003, Air Canada filed for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

2003: Rovinescu Bankruptcy Restructuring

Calin Rovinescu was Air Canada's chief restructuring officer during its 2003 bankruptcy.

2003: Air Canada Files for Bankruptcy Protection

In 2003, Air Canada filed for bankruptcy protection.

2003: Financing Package Unveiled

In 2003, Deutsche Bank unveiled an $850 million financing package for Air Canada, contingent on cost cuts.

2003: James Farley presides over bankruptcy

In 2003, James Farley presided over Air Canada's bankruptcy.

September 2004: Emerges from Bankruptcy Protection

On September 30, 2004, Air Canada emerged from protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act after 18 months.

October 2004: Celine Dion Becomes Face of Air Canada

In October 2004, Canadian singer Celine Dion became the face of Air Canada to relaunch the airline after bankruptcy protection. She recorded her single, "You and I", which appeared in Air Canada commercials.

October 2004: End of Boeing 747 Service

On October 31, 2004, the last Air Canada Boeing 747 flight landed in Toronto from Frankfurt. On 19 October 2004, Air Canada unveiled a new aircraft colour scheme and uniforms.

2004: New uniform design introduced

In 2004, Air Canada introduced a new uniform design in midnight blue by Debbie Shuchat.

2004: Dissolution of Tango service

The Tango service was dissolved in 2004.

2004: Disbanding of Zip

Zip was disbanded in 2004.

November 2005: New Widebody Aircraft Purchased

On November 9, 2005, Air Canada agreed to renew its widebody fleet by purchasing 16 Boeing 777s (10 -300ERs, 6 -200LRs), and 14 Boeing 787-8s.

2005: Aeroplan spun off

In 2005, Aeroplan was spun off from Air Canada.

July 2006: Project XM: Extreme Makeover

Started in July 2006, Project XM: Extreme Makeover, was a $300 million aircraft interior replacement project to install new cabins on all aircraft.

November 2006: Spin-off of Air Canada Jazz

In November 2006, Air Canada Jazz was spun off, making ACE Aviation Holdings no longer a shareholder of Jazz Aviation LP.

March 2007: Boeing 777 Deliveries Begin

Deliveries of the Boeing 777s began in March 2007.

April 2007: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Options Exercised

On April 24, 2007, Air Canada exercised half of its options for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

November 2007: Additional Boeing 777-300ER Leased

In November 2007, Air Canada leased an additional Boeing 777-300ER.

2007: Pension shortfall growth

In 2007, Air Canada's pension shortfall grew to $1.2 billion, contributing to a $2.85 billion shortfall by 2010.

June 2008: Layoffs and Capacity Reduction

In June 2008, Air Canada announced it would lay off over 2,000 employees and cut its capacity by 7 percent by the first quarter of 2009 due to high fuel prices and the Great Recession.

March 2009: Brewer Resigns

Montie Brewer resigned on 30 March 2009 as President and CEO.

July 2009: Financial aid received

In July 2009, Air Canada received CA$1 billion in financial aid from a consortium, including the Canadian government, ACE, and Aeroplan.

2009: Pension payment moratorium request

In 2009, Air Canada requested a moratorium on its pension payments due to a Q1 loss of $400 million, while obligated to pay $650 million into the pension fund.

2009: Layoffs and Capacity Reduction Announcement

In June 2008, Air Canada announced it would lay off over 2,000 employees and cut its capacity by 7 percent by the first quarter of 2009 due to high fuel prices and the Great Recession.

December 2010: Sale of Air Canada shares by ACE

In December 2010, ACE sold 44 million Air Canada shares.

2010: Liquidity risk and financing needs

In 2010, Air Canada reported a $2.85 billion pension shortfall as a "liquidity risk" and required new financing and pension "relief" to conserve cash for operations.

June 2011: Air Canada Express name adopted

As of June 2011, the Air Canada Jazz brand was no longer marketed as all regional operators adopted the Air Canada Express name.

September 2012: New frequent flyer status program unveiled

On 20 September 2012, Air Canada unveiled its new frequent flyer status program named "Air Canada Altitude" to supplement Aeroplan.

November 2012: Sale of remaining shares to Cormark Securities Inc.

In November 2012, ACE sold its remaining 31 million Air Canada shares to Cormark Securities Inc.

December 2012: Launch of Air Canada Rouge

In December 2012, Air Canada Rouge was launched as a subsidiary of Air Canada, serving leisure destinations.

2012: Return to profitability

From 2012, Air Canada was profitable.

December 2013: Order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

In December 2013, Air Canada ordered 61 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to replace its Airbus A320 series fleet.

February 2014: Decision to leave sports charter business

In February 2014, Air Canada decided to leave the sports charter business.

May 2014: Boeing 787 Deliveries Begin

Deliveries of the Boeing 787s began in May 2014.

March 2015: Agreement with NHL teams

On 17 March 2015, Air Canada announced an agreement with several NHL teams to provide charter services under the Air Canada Jetz brand for six years.

July 2016: Trading on OTCQX International Premier

Since 29 July 2016, Air Canada's shares are traded on OTCQX International Premier in the US under the ticker symbol "ACDVF".

2016: NHL charter agreement duration start

From the 2015-2016 NHL season, Air Canada agreed with several NHL teams to provide charter services under the Air Canada Jetz brand for six years.

2016: Retirement of Embraer E190s

In 2016, Air Canada retired 25 Embraer E190s, which were purchased by Boeing as part of a deal.

February 2017: New aircraft livery launched

On 9 February 2017, Air Canada launched a new retro red and black aircraft livery to coincide with its 80th anniversary and Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. The update included design aspects from the logo used between 1964 and 1992.

February 2017: New uniform scheme unveiled

On 9 February 2017, a new uniform scheme coinciding with Canada's 150th and Air Canada's 80th anniversaries was unveiled in partnership with fashion designer Christopher Bates.

May 2017: New loyalty program announced

In May 2017, Air Canada announced plans to launch a new loyalty program to replace Aeroplan and Altitude in 2020.

July 2017: Reintroduction of Premium Economy

In July 2017, Air Canada reintroduced Premium Economy on its North American wide-body flights.

November 2017: First MAX 8 variant delivered

On 2 November 2017, the first MAX 8 variant was delivered to Air Canada.

2017: Air Canada uniform colour

The midnight blue uniform colour was used by Air Canada until 2017.

April 2018: Rebranding of International Business Class Cabin

In April 2018, Air Canada rebranded its international business class cabin as Air Canada Signature Class with enhanced menu, amenity kits, chauffeur service using BMW vehicles, and access to the Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

May 2018: Listing Taiwan as part of China

In May 2018, Air Canada listed Taiwan as part of China to comply with Chinese civil aviation administration requirements.

June 2018: Joint venture with Air China

On 6 June 2018, Air Canada and Air China signed a joint venture, marking the first between a North American and Chinese airline.

2018: Renaming of Tango fare class

As of 2018, Air Canada renamed the Tango fare class to Standard fare.

January 2019: Repurchase of Aeroplan

In January 2019, Air Canada re-purchased Aeroplan from Aimia Inc.

January 2019: Air Canada re-acquires Aeroplan

On 10 January 2019, Air Canada re-acquired Aeroplan from Aimia.

February 2019: Air Canada mobile app privacy concerns

In February 2019, it was reported that the Air Canada mobile app in the iOS App Store recorded users' activities and transmitted data, including credit card data and passport numbers, to remote servers without informed consent.

May 2019: Exclusive talks to buy Transat A.T.

On 16 May 2019, Air Canada announced it was in exclusive talks to buy Transat A.T., the parent company of Air Transat, for CA$520 million.

June 2019: Agreement to purchase Transat A.T.

On 27 June 2019, Transat A.T. agreed to be purchased by Air Canada for CA$13 per share.

August 2019: Increased purchase price for Transat A.T.

On 11 August 2019, Air Canada raised the purchase price of Transat A.T. to CA$18 per share, valuing the deal at $720 million. On 23 August 2019, 95% of Transat A.T. shareholders approved the acquisition.

2019: Air Canada Passenger Volume

In 2019, Air Canada flew 51.5 million passengers.

2019: Agreement with Bombardier Aerospace

In 2019, Air Canada signed an agreement with Bombardier Aerospace to replace E190s with Airbus A220/CSeries aircraft.

2019: Q1 profit

In Q1 2019, Air Canada had a profit of CA$345 million, compared to a loss in 2020.

March 2020: Suspension of flights due to COVID-19

On 18 March 2020, Air Canada announced it would suspend most of its flights by 31 March due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Revised acquisition agreement

In October 2020, the agreement to purchase Transat A.T. was revised downwards to CA$5 per share due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the airline industry.

November 2020: Air Canada Altitude renamed as Aeroplan Elite Status

On 8 November 2020, Air Canada Altitude was renamed as Aeroplan Elite Status, and Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM), Segments (AQS), and Dollars (AQD) were replaced by Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Segments (SQS), and Dollars (SQD).

2020: Loss-making due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada was again loss-making in 2020.

2020: Air Canada Altitude and Aeroplan merged

In 2020, Air Canada Altitude and Aeroplan merged, with Aeroplan as the surviving entity.

February 2021: Government of Canada approves takeover

On 11 February 2021, the Government of Canada approved the takeover of Transat A.T. by Air Canada.

April 2021: Government of Canada ownership

As of April 2021, the Government of Canada owns approximately 6.4% of Air Canada.

April 2021: Takeover dropped

In April 2021, Air Canada dropped the planned takeover of Transat A.T. after failing to secure approval from the European Commission.

October 2021: Government of Canada Acquires Stake in Air Canada

In October 2021, the Government of Canada acquired 6.4% of Air Canada in return for financial support to mitigate the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2022: Cancellation of flights due to aviation industry pressure

In June 2022, Air Canada announced it was cancelling over 150 daily flights in the summer due to unprecedented pressure in the aviation industry after pandemic-era restrictions were lifted.

September 2022: Government lifts COVID-19 restrictions

In September 2022, Air Canada welcomed the Government of Canada's decision to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions.

October 2022: End of COVID-19 restrictions

Beginning 1 October 2022, COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

April 2023: Grand theft at Air Canada cargo terminal

On 17 April 2023, a grand theft occurred at the Air Canada cargo terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport, involving over C$20 million in gold bars and currency.

January 2024: Destination count

As of January 2024, Air Canada flies to 64 domestic and 158 international destinations.

April 2025: Air Canada fleet count

As of April 2025, the Air Canada fleet consists of 207 mainline passenger aircraft.

2025: Wi-Fi rollout begins

Starting in 2025, Air Canada will roll out fast and free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members on equipped planes flying within North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.