Air Canada named World's Most Family Friendly Airline and Top Canadian Carrier at 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards

Air Canada has been recognized as the world's most family-friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards presented at the Paris Air Show. The carrier was also named the Best Airline in Canada, its employees won for Best Airline Staff in Canada, and Air Canada Rouge has been declared the Best Low-Cost Airline in Canada.

"These awards recognize Air Canada's industry leadership in Canada and the world. But the real winners are our employees, who work very hard every day taking care of our customers and delivering them safely to their destinations. I thank our employees for their dedication, and I also thank our customers for acknowledging their work by participating in the 2023 Skytrax awards survey, which garnered more than 20 million submissions worldwide," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Among the awards given to Air Canada at the ceremony was a new global award for family-friendly travel. Skytrax cited Air Canada's work in family seating policies, dedicated family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children's meals, children's amenities/toys/activity packs, child-specific onboard entertainment, free checked luggage and policies for carrycot/pushchairs, and the standard of service assistance from ground staff and cabin crew during the travel experience.

"We are thrilled to be recognized with the inaugural Skytrax award for Most Family Friendly Airline. Air Canada takes pride in connecting family and loved ones through travel where celebrations and life-long memories are made. We're continuing to introduce still more family-focused initiatives through our onboard products, services and Aeroplan Family Sharing, and we look forward to welcoming even more families onboard throughout our global network," said Mr Rousseau.

Air Canada Named One of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes for Eighth Consecutive Year

Air Canada has been named one of Canada's Best Employers 2023 by Forbes for the eighth consecutive year, recognizing the airline's commitment to providing excellent employment opportunities for employees in Canada.

"We are honoured to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers 2023 by Forbes yet again, a clear signal that the workplace culture we have fostered over many years has enabled Air Canada to remain a top employer. Creating a positive work environment that supports employee fulfillment and development while at the leading edge of global aviation remains a key priority for Air Canada as it continues to implement its business strategies restoring its international network and continuing to elevate its products and services. Thanks go to our more than 36,000 dedicated employees who safely transport people globally every day," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs.

According to Forbes, the recognition as one of Canada's Best Employers 2023 is based on independent surveys of over 12,000 employees working part-time or full-time for companies employing at least 500 people in Canada. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees that were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to give their opinion on working conditions, salary, and potential for development.

The Forbes award is the most recent recognition Air Canada has received for human resources, corporate culture, and employee engagement in in the last year, which include:

One of the World's Best Employers 2022 by Forbes

One of Canada's Best Employers for Diversity 2022 by Forbes

One of Canada's Best Employers 2022 by Forbes

One of Montreal Top Employers 2022 by Mediacorp (for the ninth consecutive year)

Payworks Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy at the Canadian HR Awards 2022

CUPE Rectifies Pay Injustice for Members at Air Canada

CUPE's Air Canada Component is pleased to see progress on an important pay issue for its members at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. The union spoke out last week about how ground delays at Pearson Airport, have been resulting in members working for significantly reduced pay or for free, due to an outdated policy which paid flight attendants drastically less - or nothing at all - for their time on the ground. However, that has now changed.

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have just signed a memorandum of agreement with CUPE which will see ground duty pay related to "metering" - the process of managing air traffic in and out of terminals - at Pearson Airport escalated to 100 per cent.

"Making our members essentially work for free was simply unjust, and we're happy to have the company come to the table, recognizing the issue and helping to rectify this injustice," said Wesley Lesosky, President of CUPE's Air Canada Component.

The memorandum also acknowledges the impact of the delays on flight attendants' schedules, and establishes considerations for ensuring flight attendants are rested enough for their next scheduled duty after a lengthy unscheduled ground delay.

"This represents important progress for our members at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, but we know we are not the only airline facing these issues," Lesosky added. "We will continue fighting across our union to make sure all our members are paid fairly for their time. No one should be working for free."

CUPE’s Air Canada Component represents approximately 9,500 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. CUPE’s Air Division represents approximately 15,000 flight attendants across nine different airlines in total.

Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash

 

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New seasonal service from Quebec to Vancouver and Calgary begins May 2022 says Air Canada

Air Canada has confirmed its plans for launching two new seasonal services departing from Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City early next year.  Flights to Vancouver will start on May 20, 2022, with up to three flights a week and services to Calgary will debut on May 21, 2022, offering up to four weekly flights. Air Canada will deploy Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319s on these routes which will have Premium Rouge and Economy cabins onboard and feature a number of product enhancements including upgraded streaming entertainment and options to purchase high-speed wi-fi.

"This is really exciting news for Quebec City and we are happy to offer new popular destinations to Quebecers who we know love to travel," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. "New services to Vancouver and Calgary will meet the growing demand from the Quebec City market for travel to Western Canada while at the same time allowing tourists from Western Canada to discover and enjoy Quebec City, one of the most famous destinations in the country, with its important cultural and historic sites and lovely landscapes along the St-Lawrence River in Charlevoix. This increased presence and convenient and diversified schedule also demonstrates our commitment to the people of the Capitale-Nationale and our desire to better serve the Jean Lesage International Airport, a long-time partner."

"This is an important announcement for the citizens of the Quebec City area. Vancouver and Calgary are popular destinations and strategic hubs for Air Canada," said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). "In recent months, the airline has not only taken the decision to quickly restore pre-pandemic routes, but also added frequencies and new destinations to the schedule starting this winter and in the summer of 2022. As part of its recovery strategy, Air Canada is investing in the growth of our market. We are confident that the people of the region will respond."

"The Québec City's chamber of commerce and industry is delighted to see the resumption of flights to Quebec City and the addition of new routes to such important destinations", said Steeve Lavoie, President and CEO, Québec City's chamber of commerce and industry. "Not only does this make it easier for our businesspeople to travel abroad, but it also allows outside business travellers to land directly in Quebec City. We hope that the business community in the region will take full advantage of these new services by Air Canada and that air service to Quebec City will only grow in the years to come!"

"The addition of these two departures from Quebec City to Western Canada is excellent news for our region", said Robert Mercure, Director of Destination Québec Cité. "If Quebec City wishes to remain at the top of the list of the most popular destinations in Canada, as it did last summer, it is important to ensure that we offer far-reaching air service. We can only be delighted with these new non-stop services that will allow us to further develop the Canadian tourism market."

Flight schedule - Summer 2022

Flight	From	To	Departure	Arrival	Frequency
AC 1871	Quebec City	Vancouver	09:45	12:20	Monday, Wednesday, Friday
AC 1870	Vancouver	Quebec City	13:10	21:07
AC 1873	Quebec City	Calgary	10:45	13:30	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
AC 1872	Calgary	Quebec City	14:30	20:43

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New Toronto - Santo Domingo route from Air Canada

Canadian legacy carrier Air Canada confirmed this week that it will start a new direct seasonal flight between its Toronto hub to Santo Domingo. The airline will run the route on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16th December utilising Airbus A321 and A319 Air Canada Rouge aircraft. 

"As travel restrictions ease, we are committed to rebuilding our international network to connect the world to Canada, reunite people with families, friends, and business colleagues,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. “Our Santo Domingo flights connect to and from our flights across Canada at our Toronto global hub to offer easy and convenient access to Dominican Republic’s capital city, a destination that is steeped in rich culture, history including location of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in addition to being the country’s commercial and financial centre. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ biosafety protocols, Air Canada has health and safety as its top priority. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board."

Fabien Gourdon, Chief Commercial Officer of Aerodom said: "We are delighted to receive at SDQ this new direct flight from YYZ with Air Canada, which will allow more Canadian tourists to visit the magnificent hotels and the wide variety of recreation and entertainment options the Dominican Republic has to offer. This route will also serve the growing business and visiting friends and relatives demand; and will allow to expand the growing cargo exchange between both countries."

 

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Flight	Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Aircraft	Day of Operation
AC1722	Toronto to Santo Domingo	09:05	14:25	Airbus A321 and A319	Tuesday, Thursday
AC1723	Santo Domingo to Toronto	15:40	19:15	Airbus A321 and A319	Tuesday, Thursday

Air Canada puts Rouge back in the skies.........

              Air Canada Rouge resumed services this week with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September, including Cancun and Tampa.

"Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada's overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends. Air Canada's leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft," said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge also provided a sneak peek of the cabin interior that will be available on nine Airbus A321 aircraft of the 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet, with the first entering service later this fall.

These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with playful Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats, with 30-inch seat pitch in the Economy cabin. The A321 Rouge aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback.

Rouge Returns to The Skies Offering More Choice for Leisure Travellers

              Air Canada Rouge resumed services this week with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September, including Cancun and Tampa.

"Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada's overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends. Air Canada's leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft," said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge also provided a sneak peek of the cabin interior that will be available on nine Airbus A321 aircraft of the 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet, with the first entering service later this fall.

These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with playful Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats, with 30-inch seat pitch in the Economy cabin. The A321 Rouge aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback.

Air Canada Launches Two New Connections to Florida and More Frequent Flights to Mexico and the Dominican Republic from Quebec City

New connections to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale starting in November 2021

The airline is resuming its international service to

Punta Cana and Cancun with more frequent flights

The Canadian airline Air Canada will be adding two new winter services from Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. These two popular sun destinations in Florida are, according to the carrier, highly favoured by Quebecers as the snowbirds flock down to the sun to escape the cold north! Flights to Fort Lauderdale will start on November 19 and flights to Orlando on December 17. Starting December 4, Air Canada will also be offering more flights to Punta Cana and Cancun.

"We're excited to be launching these two new routes to Florida from Quebec City, a first for Air Canada. We know that, for many Quebecers, Florida is a popular place for winter vacations," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. "Punta Cana and Cancun are also among the most popular tropical destinations, and we are happy to be able to bring back these connections. These routes will not only provide more diverse flight options for Quebec City residents but will also strengthen our foothold in a growing market and better serve the Jean Lesage International Airport, our long–time partner. Now that restrictions are easing, it's time to start travelling again and book your escape to the sun. We can't wait to see you back on board."

"We're delighted that Air Canada is resuming its international flights from Quebec City to destinations as popular as Cancun, Punta Cana, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale," said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). "Not only has Air Canada decided to bring back some pre-pandemic connections, but it has also chosen to invest in our market by increasing the frequency and adding two new destinations to the schedule for winter 2021. Now that we can finally travel again, it's essential that the people in the Greater Quebec City area are able to depart from YQB. This announcement is the result of a fruitful and beneficial collaboration between Air Canada and YQB."

Connection	Frequency	Start date
Quebec City– Fort Lauderdale	Up to 4 x weekly	November 19
Quebec City–Orlando	1 x weekly	December 17
Quebec City–Punta Cana	2 x weekly	December 5
Quebec City–Cancun	2 x weekly	December 4

These flights out of Quebec City will be operated by Rouge on Airbus A319 aircraft that can accommodate 136 passengers. 

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Air Canada Rouge takes to the skies again.....

The departure of Air Canada flight AC1810 from Toronto to Cancun on Monday marked the return of Air Canada Rouge to the skies.

"Air Canada Rouge remains an important part of our overall strategy in rebuilding Air Canada's global network. As leisure traffic resumes, we will progressively add Air Canada Rouge to select North American leisure markets from Eastern Canada," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning and Alliances at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge flights are operated with narrow-body Airbus aircraft featuring a choice of Premium Rouge and Economy services. Customers travelling in the Premium Rouge cabin will be offered a complimentary, pre-packaged meal curated by celebrated Montreal chef Antonio Park with complimentary bar and beverage service. All customers onboard Rouge flights will have access to complimentary in-flight entertainment that is streamed right to their personal smartphone or device of choice without the requirement to download an app. Premium Rouge customers will also be offered the complimentary use of sanitized iPads containing entertainment content.

Air Canada Flight Attendant Union Calls For Improvements To Federal Wage Subsidy

 The union representing 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants calls on the federal government to improve this assistance to workers affected by the COVID pandemic- 19. He claims that workers who were on parental, disability or work accident leave, as well as those previously laid off due to the flight ban on Boeing 737 aircraft are eligible for the federal wage subsidy. The union is also asking the government to encourage companies like Air Canada to negotiate wage subsidy offers in better faith with unions representing the workers concerned.

Union saddened over the temporary lay off of 3,600 Air Canada mainline, 1,549 Air Canada Rouge staff

The union representing Air Canada flight attendants is deeply saddened to learn that the company will temporarily lay off approximately 3,600 of its members at Air Canada mainline, and all 1,549 of its members at Air Canada Rouge.

Earlier this week, the company announced it would significantly reduce flying capacity due to diminished demand and government-ordered border closures caused by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The layoffs announced today are effective until April 30, 2020 at the earliest, but the union is hopeful that conditions in the industry improve and allow the airline to begin bringing flight attendants back on-board.

Air Canada Completes Installation of Satellite Connectivity Across Full Air Canada Rouge Fleet

Air Canada said today that Rouge Wi-Fi high-speed satellite-based connectivity provided by Gogo is now available across the entire Air Canada Rouge fleet of 65 aircraft that fly globally and across North America.

"Customers now can access Rouge Wi-Fi high-speed internet connectivity on their own devices whenever they are onboard an Air Canada Rouge aircraft anywhere in the world, giving everyone the ability to stay connected to email, surf the web, or stream their favourite movies and TV shows from services like Netflix and YouTube. We are excited to now offer fast, reliable wi-fi options onboard all Rouge aircraft for the increasing numbers of customers seeking connectivity when flying," said Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada.

Customers can choose from a selection of Wi-Fi packages to suit their requirements with starting prices of $8.50 CAD simply by connecting to the "Rouge Wi-Fi" network onboard and following the instructions.

In addition to the full Air Canada Rouge fleet, satellite-based Wi-Fi is already available on all Air Canada Boeing 777s, and most Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s with the remainder to be completed early 2020. Air Canada Wi-Fi connectivity is also available across the carrier's entire mainline narrowbody fleet and the Air Canada Express Embraer 175 and Bombardier CRJ-900 fleets. Air Canada's new Airbus A220 fleet which it begins taking delivery of before the end of 2019 will come equipped with satellite-based wi-fi.

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A new year round service between Montreal and Bogotá to start from Air Canada Rouge

Air Canada has confirmed it will be introducing a new year-round service between Montreal and Bogotá, Colombia beginning June 2, 2020. 

Flights will operate three times weekly onboard Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering a choice of premium and economy service.

"We are very pleased to offer the only non-stop, year-round flights connecting Montreal and Bogotá, two vibrant cities steeped in history and culture. This new route complements our existing Toronto-Bogotá service, and positions Air Canada as a significant player linking the growing markets between Montreal and Colombia's capital and largest city. The addition of Bogotá represents Air Canada's 39th new route launched from Montreal-Trudeau Airport since 2012, firmly illustrating our commitment to developing Montreal as an important, strategic hub. Bogotá  is also strategically situated to allow for seamless travel across South America through Star Alliance partner Avianca," said Mark Galardo, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada.

Air Canada Introduces Winter Service from Quebec City to Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Air Canada has confirmed two new winter services from Quebec City (YQB) to popular sun destinations Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Service to Cancun begins December 21, 2019, until April 11, 2020, while Punta Cana flights start December 22, 2019, until April 12, 2020. 

An Air Canada Rouge Airbus A321. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

"We are thrilled to offer residents of Quebec City these non-stop connections to the popular winter getaway destinations of Cancun and Punta Cana. We are adding these new international leisure routes to meet anticipated demand from the capital of Quebec and offer Quebec City residents easy access to incredible holiday experiences," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge pops up in Toronto with multi-sensory experience

Photo Air Canada

Air Canada Rouge will open an immersive and photo-ready pop-up on Friday, May 24 at the Toronto Eaton Centre to showcase its industry-leading products through larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory rooms.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of experiences, including walking the 'Rouge' carpet in front of the cameras at their very own Hollywood movie premiere. They will also have a chance each day to win a pair of tickets to any one of the more than 70 destinations to which Air Canada Rouge flies around the world.

Air Canada suspends flights to Haiti as protests turn more violent.

Running from police gunfire Photo Dieu Nalio Chery/Associated Press

Opposition protesters have taken to the streets of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, for another day as the unrest continues amid a corruption scandal and soaring inflation.

Demonstrators had put up makeshift barricades and burnt tyres over the weekend following days of protests over allegations that officials and ministers had stolen funds from an oil deal said to run into more than $2 billion.

According to local figures, seven people have been killed during the protests which began earlier this month and have caused many countries around the world to warn against travel to Haiti, including Canada and the United Kingdom. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office now warn advise against all but essential travel to Haiti due to the current unstable and dangerous security situation. 

On Monday, Air Canada Rouge operated flight AC1815 on a Boeing 767 from Port-au-Prince with 209 customers and 16 crew and support employees onboard. The airline has suspended its usual two flights a week, with  Craig Landry, Executive Vice President, Operations at Air Canada saying, "Our thoughts are with the Haitian people during this period of disturbance. Given the strong ties between our two countries, Air Canada has a long, proud history of serving Haiti and we intend to resume regular service as soon as it is safe to do so."

Air Canada starts two new routes from Alberta - Edononton to Las Vegas & Calgary to Palm Springs.

Canada's largest international airline, Air Canada launched two new daily, seasonal transborder routes over the weekend from bases in Alberta.

The airline and its staff held celebrations in both Edmonton and Calgary ahead of the inaugural flights to Las Vegas and Palm Springs respectively. "We are delighted to offer more travel options to Albertans with the addition of daily, seasonal services from both Calgary and Edmonton, which means golf, entertainment and the desert sun are a short flight away every day this fall and winter. With our flexible and diverse North American fleet, we are continuing to strategically add services to popular destinations," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada.

The Edmonton to Las Vegas service will operate daily until the end of April on an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft.

The service to Palm Springs from Calgary also operates daily and again ends on 30th April and is scheduled for an Airbus A320 to fly the routes. 

Air Canada Completes Inauguration of 25 New Non-Stop International, Transborder and Domestic Routes This Summer

Air Canada today inaugurates five new non-stop regional services from Montreal to Windsor, Montreal to London ON, Edmonton to Kelowna, Edmonton and Victoria, Calgary and Comox, completing the successful launch of 25 new year-round and seasonal routes this summer.

Five regional services launch today: Montreal to Windsor and London ON; Edmonton to Kelowna and Victoria; Calgary to Comox

"We are very pleased to launch our newest domestic regional services today to offer customers more choice and convenience when travelling. The 25 international, transborder and domestic routes that we have strategically added this summer broaden and deepen our already expansive global network by adding new destinations and city pairings, and are consistent with company growth plans," said Benjamin Smith, President, Airlines and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge is five years old!

Air Canada Rouge is celebrating its fifth birthday!  From its first flight on Canada Day 2013, Air Canada's leisure carrier has grown from four aircraft to more than 50 and expanded to over 100 routes on five continents. The carrier has flown more than 25 million customers, and apparently directly created 2,000 jobs for Canadians.

Air Canada's Rouge to start seervice to Lisbon

Air Canada inaugurated today new summer seasonal service from Montreal to Lisbon, Portugal. The three-times weekly Air Canada Rouge seasonal Lisbon service begins June 15, 2018 from Montréal, with the last operation from Lisbon on October 27. Flights are operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring Premium Rouge and Economy Class service and are timed to optimize connectivity from across Air Canada's network through Air Canada's hub in Montreal.