Following on from Canadian low-cost airline WestJet's announcement that it was supporting City of Calgary's bid for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, its main rival, Air Canada has announced it is also proudly supporting the bid.
This is not the first time the airline has been involved with the Olympics, as Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada explains, "Air Canada has a long association with Canada's Olympic and Paralympic athletes and particularly at home Games, starting with being the Official Airline at Calgary's highly successful 1988 Olympic Winter Games. We are tremendously proud to fly the flag as we fully support the city's bid for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. On behalf of our 30,000 worldwide employees, and especially our team of 1,900 employees who live and work in Calgary, we wish Calgarians the very best in their pursuit of these Games,"
"Our support started in April of this year with a firm commitment in writing to the City of Calgary of our support for the bid. To further demonstrate Air Canada's support, one of our senior executives, Renee Smith-Valade, who has direct experience from eight previous Olympic Games – including both the Calgary 1988 and Vancouver 2010 Games – has been temporarily seconded to work with the Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation through the plebiscite and initial preparation of the international bid phase, and we are assisting in transporting athletes for special events related to Calgary's bid."
"Actions speak volumes: Air Canada, Canada's flag carrier, stepped up early on to strongly encourage this bid to go ahead, and now, has stepped up with expertise, travel and employee engagement as we lead up to Canada's Games, Calgary's choice. We're grateful for Air Canada's support for the 2026 Calgary Bid Corporation and their ongoing support for Team Canada," said Scott Hutcheson, Chairman of the Board, Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation.
Air Canada raises the flag in support of Calgary's bid for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic winter games
