History of Air Canada in Timeline

Air Canada, founded in 1937, is the flag carrier and largest airline in Canada. Headquartered in Montreal, it provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo. It serves 222 destinations worldwide, operating major hubs in Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson, and Vancouver. Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance.

1936: Creation of Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA)

In 1936, the Canadian federal government created Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), which would later become Air Canada.

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

On April 11, 1937, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), Air Canada's predecessor, was created by federal legislation 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.

1937: Airline founded

In 1937, Air Canada was founded as the flag carrier and 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 Begin

On April 1, 1939, transcontinental routes from Montreal to Vancouver began.

January 1940: Airline Growth

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

1942: Merger Proposal Rejected

In 1942, Canadian Pacific Airlines (CP Air) suggested a merger with TCA, but Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King rejected the proposal.

1949: Headquarters Moved to Montreal

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

1953: Introduction of ReserVec

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 system.

1964: Design aspects from the logo used

In 1964 design aspects from the logo used between 1964 and 1992, were included in the new retro red and black aircraft livery launched on 9 February 2017.

1964: Bill Submitted to Change Name to Air Canada

In 1964, Jean Chrétien submitted a private member's bill to change the name of the airline from Trans-Canada Airlines to Air Canada.

January 1965: Name Change to Air Canada

On January 1, 1965, the name change from Trans-Canada Airlines to Air Canada took effect.

1965: TCA Renamed Air Canada

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

1975: Headquarters

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

1976: Air Canada Becomes Independent Crown Corporation

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

1976: CEO and President

Since 1976, the following have been CEO and President

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.

1985: Government Willing 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: Deregulation of Canadian Airline Market

In 1987, deregulation of the Canadian airline market officially opened the airline market in Canada to equal competition.

1987: No-smoking flights tested

In the spring of 1987, Air Canada enacted no-smoking flights between Canada and New York City as a test. After a survey reported that 96% of passengers supported the smoking ban, Air Canada extended the ban to other flights.

1988: Air Canada Privatized

In 1988, Air Canada was privatized, and 43% of shares were sold on the public market.

1989: Full privatization of Air Canada

Air Canada became fully privatized in 1989.

1989: Complete Privatization

In 1989, Air Canada became completely privatized.

1990: Headquarters moved to airport

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

1992: Design aspects from the logo used

In 1992 design aspects from the logo used between 1964 and 1992, were included in the new retro red and black aircraft livery launched on 9 February 2017.

1992: enRoute Card Business Sold

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

1992: Last Canadian President

The last Canadian President was Claude Taylor in 1992.

1994: Return to Profitability

By 1994, Air Canada returned to profitability and won 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: Founding Member of 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: First Pilots' Strike

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

1999: Takeover Bids

At the end of 1999, American Airlines in conjunction with Canadian financial company Onex Corp, launched takeover bids for ailing rival Canadian Airlines and Air Canada, spurring Air Canada to submit a competing offer for its largest rival.

1999: Profits for 1997-1999 Period

The airline earned consistent profits, totaling $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

On January 4, 2000, Air Canada acquired its largest rival, Canadian Airlines.

January 2001: Pledge to Improve Service

Following integration efforts that led to service disruptions in summer 2000, 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 using a dedicated fleet of 13 Airbus A320s.

2001: Consolidation of regional carriers

In 2001, Air Canada consolidated its wholly owned regional carriers Air BC, Air Nova, Air Ontario, and Canadian Regional Airlines into Air Canada Regional Incorporated.

2002: Back-to-Back Losses

Air Canada posted back-to-back losses in 2001 and 2002 due to the global aviation market downturn and increased competition.

2002: Launch of Zip discount airline

In 2002, Air Canada launched a discount airline called Zip to compete directly with WestJet on routes in Western Canada. Zip operated ex-Canadian Airlines International 737-200s as a separate airline.

2002: Creation of Air Canada Jazz

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

2002: Cargo terminal completed in Toronto

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

April 2003: Files for Protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act

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

2003: Rovinescu Resigns

Calin Rovinescu was Air Canada's chief restructuring officer during its 2003 bankruptcy; he resigned that year after unions rejected his demands.

2003: Air Canada Files for Bankruptcy Protection

In 2003, Air Canada filed for bankruptcy protection.

2003: Deutsche Bank Financing Package

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

2003: Farley presided over Air Canada's bankruptcy

In 2003, James Farley, who was later appointed to mediate pension issues in 2009, had presided over Air Canada's bankruptcy.

September 2004: Emerges from bankruptcy protection

On September 30, 2004, Air Canada emerged from bankruptcy protection.

October 2004: Celine Dion becomes the face of Air Canada

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

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October 2004: End of Boeing 747 service and unveiling of new aircraft color scheme and uniforms

In October 2004, the last Air Canada Boeing 747 flight landed in Toronto from Frankfurt as AC873, ending 33 years of 747 service with the airline. On 19 October 2004, Air Canada unveiled a new aircraft colour scheme and uniforms. A Boeing 767-300ER was painted in the new silver-blue colour, and the dark green/almost black tail was replaced with a new version of the maple leaf known as the 'Frosted Leaf'. The Boeing 747-400 fleet was replaced by the Airbus A340 fleet.

2004: Midnight blue uniforms designed by Debbie Shuchat

In 2004, Air Canada uniforms used a midnight blue colour and were designed by Canadian fashion designer Debbie Shuchat.

2004: Dissolution of Tango service

The Tango service was dissolved in 2004.

2004: Disbanding of Zip

Zip, Air Canada's discount airline, was disbanded in 2004.

November 2005: Air Canada agrees to renew its widebody fleet

On 9 November 2005, Air Canada agreed to renew its widebody fleet by purchasing 16 Boeing 777s and 14 Boeing 787-8s. It placed options on 18 Boeing 777s and 46 Boeing 787-8s and -9s.

2005: Aeroplan spun off from Air Canada

In 2005, Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty marketing program, was spun off from Air Canada and operated by Groupe Aeroplan Inc.

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. New aircraft such as the Boeing 777 were delivered with the new cabins factory installed.

November 2006: Air Canada Jazz spun off

In November 2006, Air Canada Jazz was spun off, making it an independent company.

March 2007: Boeing 777 Deliveries Begin

Deliveries of the Boeing 777s began in March 2007.

April 2007: Air Canada exercises options for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

On 24 April 2007, Air Canada exercised half of its options for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The firm order for the Dreamliners then stood at 37 plus 23 options, for a total of 60. The airline also cancelled orders for two Boeing 777Fs.

November 2007: Air Canada leases an additional Boeing 777-300ER

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, which the airline identified as a significant liquidity risk.

June 2008: Layoffs and Capacity Cuts Announced

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

March 2009: Brewer Resigns

On March 30 2009, Montie Brewer resigned 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. However, only CA$600 million was actually loaned; the rest came from sale-leaseback accounting.

2009: Capacity cut percentage effective as of Q1

By the first quarter of 2009, the airline cut capacity by 7 percent as a result of high fuel prices and the Great Recession.

2009: Pension payment moratorium request and mediation

In 2009, Air Canada requested a moratorium on its pension payments due to a Q1 loss of $400 million, despite being obligated to pay $650 million into the pension fund. Federal finance minister Jim Flaherty appointed retired judge James Farley to mediate pension issues between the company, its unions, and retirees.

December 2010: ACE sells Air Canada shares

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

2010: Pension shortfall concerns and financing needs

In 2010, Air Canada reported that its pension shortfall had grown to $2.85 billion, posing a liquidity risk. The airline required new financing and pension relief to conserve cash for its 2010 operations.

June 2011: Adoption of Air Canada Express name

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

September 2012: Air Canada Altitude unveiled

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

November 2012: ACE sells 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

Launched in December 2012, Air Canada Rouge is a subsidiary of Air Canada serving predominantly leisure destinations.

2012: Return to profitability

Air Canada was profitable from 2012 after several years of losses.

December 2013: Order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

In December 2013, Air Canada ordered 61 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle narrow body aircraft to replace its existing fleet of Airbus A320 series aircraft.

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 for charter services

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 starting from the 2015–2016 NHL season.

July 2016: Listing on OTCQX International Premier

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

2016: Charter services under the Air Canada Jetz brand

Air Canada Jetz brand for six years starting from the 2015–2016 NHL season.

2016: Retirement of Embraer E190s and purchase by Boeing

In 2016, Air Canada retired 25 Embraer E190s, which were purchased by Boeing as part of the deal to acquire Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

February 2017: New aircraft livery launched

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

February 2017: New uniform scheme unveiled

On 9 February 2017, Air Canada unveiled a new uniform scheme coinciding with Canada's 150th and Air Canada's 80th anniversaries. The uniforms were designed by Christopher Bates and incorporate a base colour of black or grey with red lettering and the famous maple leaf.

May 2017: New loyalty program announced

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

July 2017: Reintroduction of Premium Economy on North American wide-body flights

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

November 2017: First Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered

On 2 November 2017, Air Canada received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 variant as part of its order to replace the Airbus A320 series aircraft.

2017: Midnight blue uniforms used

Until 2017, Air Canada uniforms used a midnight blue colour.

April 2018: Rebranding of international business class as Air Canada Signature Class

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

May 2018: Taiwan listed as part of China

In May 2018, Air Canada listed Taiwan as part of China to comply with a requirement of China's civil aviation administration.

June 2018: Joint venture signed with Air China

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

2018: Tango fare class renamed to Standard fare

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

January 2019: Air Canada re-purchased Aeroplan

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

February 2019: Air Canada mobile app privacy concerns

In February 2019, TechCrunch reported that the Air Canada mobile app in the iOS App Store incorporated session-replay software from Glassbox, leading to privacy concerns due to recording user activity and transmitting data, including credit card details and passport numbers, without 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 that owns 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, increasing the deal's value to $720 million. On 23 August 2019, 95% of Transat A.T. shareholders approved the acquisition.

2019: Air Canada Passenger Count

In 2019, Air Canada flew 51.5 million passengers.

2019: Agreement with Bombardier Aerospace for Airbus A220/CSeries aircraft

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

2019: Q1 financial report profit

In Q1 2019, Air Canada announced it had a profit of CA$345 million.

March 2020: Suspension of most flights

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 downwards acquisition agreement

In October 2020, The agreement with Transat A.T. was revised downwards to CA$5 per share, reflecting the challenges posed to the airline industry by the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2020: Air Canada Altitude renamed Aeroplan Elite Status

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

2020: Return to loss-making due to COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the impact of 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 approval of takeover

On 11 February 2021, the Government of Canada approved the takeover of Transat A.T. by Air Canada, but the plan still faced scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

April 2021: Government ownership stake

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 takeover of Transat A.T. after failing to secure approval from the European Commission.

April 2021: Government of Canada acquires stake in Air Canada

In April 2021, the Government of Canada acquired 6.4% of Air Canada as part of a $5.9 billion COVID-19 related assistance package.

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 daily 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 provincial governments began lifting pandemic-era restrictions.

September 2022: Government of Canada decision to lift COVID-19 restrictions

In September 2022, Air Canada 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.

October 2022: ArriveCAN use lifted

On 1 October 2022, the Government of Canada lifted requirements for the compulsory use of ArriveCAN.

April 2023: Grand theft at cargo terminal

On 17 April 2023, a grand theft occurred at the Air Canada cargo terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport. A container containing gold bars and currency valued at over C$20 million was stolen.

January 2024: Air Canada flies to 64 domestic destinations and 158 international destinations

As of January 2024, Air Canada flies to 64 domestic destinations and 158 international destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

May 2025: Air Canada fleet consists of 205 mainline passenger aircraft

As of May 2025, the Air Canada fleet consists of 205 mainline passenger aircraft, a mix of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body and wide-body jets.

2025: Roll out fast and free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members

Starting in 2025, Air Canada, in partnership with Bell Canada, will roll out fast and free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members on Wi-Fi-equipped planes flying within North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Air Canada said about 85% of its fleet will be covered.