Editing Air Canada (section)

==History==
{{See also|History of aviation in Canada}}

===Trans-Canada Air Lines (1937–1965)===
{{main|Trans-Canada Air Lines}}
Air Canada's predecessor, [[Trans-Canada Air Lines]] (TCA), was created by federal legislation as a subsidiary of [[Canadian National Railway]] (CNR) on 11 April 1937.<ref name=CBCHist /><ref name=aircanadatimeline>{{cite web|url=http://moments.aircanada.com/timeline/|title=Timeline – Air Canada's 80th Anniversary|website=moments.aircanada.com|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=27 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227182709/http://moments.aircanada.com/timeline|url-status=dead}}</ref> The newly created [[Transport Canada|Department of Transport]] under [[Minister of Transport (Canada)|Minister]] [[C. D. Howe]] desired an airline under government control to link cities on the Atlantic coast to those on the Pacific coast. Using $5&nbsp;million in Crown seed money, two [[Lockheed Model 10 Electra]]s and one [[Stearman Aircraft|Boeing Stearman]] biplane were purchased from [[Canadian Airways]]<ref name="CBC timeline">{{cite news | title=Indepth: Air Canada Timeline | date=20 June 2005 | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/timeline.html | publisher=[[CBC News]] | access-date=4 April 2009 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060421035635/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/timeline.html |archive-date=21 April 2006}}</ref> and experienced airline executives from [[United Airlines]] and [[American Airlines]] were brought in.<ref name=CBCHist>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/history.html | title=Air Canada History | publisher=[[CBC News]] | date=14 May 2004 | access-date=4 April 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090331113445/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aircanada/history.html| archive-date= 31 March 2009| url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Malton Airport 1939 - TCA Lockheed Electra 14H2s (14Hs).jpg|thumb|left|A [[Trans-Canada Air Lines|TCA]] [[Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra]] at [[Malton Airport]], 1939]]
Passenger flights began on 1 September 1937, with an Electra carrying two passengers and mail from [[Vancouver]] to [[Seattle]], a $14.20 round trip,<ref name=CBCHist /> and, on 1 July 1938, TCA hired its first flight attendants.<ref name=makingTCA>Mills, Albert J, Mills, Jean Helms. ''Masculinity and the Making of Trans-Canada Air Lines, 1937–1940: A Feminist Poststructuralist Account''. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, March 2006. [http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090628195147/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3981/is_200603/ai_n17179192/pg_3 findarticles.com] Date accessed: 18 October 2007</ref> Transcontinental routes from Montreal to Vancouver began on 1 April 1939, using 12 [[Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra]]s and six [[Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar]]s.<ref name="CBC timeline"/> By January 1940, the airline had grown to about 579 employees.<ref name=makingTCA/>

[[Canadian Pacific Airlines]] (CP Air) suggested in 1942 a merger with TCA. Prime Minister [[William Lyon Mackenzie King]] rejected the proposal and introduced legislation regulating TCA as the only airline in Canada allowed to provide transcontinental flights. With the increase in air travel after [[World War II]], CP Air was granted one coast-to-coast flight and a few international routes.<ref name=CBCHist />

Originally headquartered in [[Winnipeg]], also the site of its national maintenance base, the federal government moved TCA's headquarters to [[Montreal]] in 1949; the maintenance base would later also move east. With the development of the [[ReserVec]] in 1953, TCA became the first airline in the world to use a [[computer reservation system]] with remote terminals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vardalas |first=John |title=From DATAR to the FP-6000 |url=https://ewh.ieee.org/reg/7/millennium/fp6000/fp6000_datar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404053248/http://www.ieee.ca/millennium/fp6000/fp6000_datar.html |archive-date=4 April 2019 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=[[IEEE]]}}</ref><ref name=awst>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=2051|title=Air Canada: Celebrating 70 Years of Leadership|magazine=Aviation Week & Space Technology|access-date=11 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115010750/http://atwonline.com/magazine/article.html?articleID=2051|archive-date=15 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Renamed to Air Canada and early years (1965–1990)===
{{Rail freight
|float=right
|title=Revenue passenger-kilometres, scheduled flights only, in millions
|1950|727
|1955|1,551
|1960|3,284
|1965|5,702
|1969|9,074
|1971|10,343
|1975|16,270
|1980|23,752
|1985|21,718
|2000|448,006
|source=ICAO Digest of Statistics for 1950–55, IATA World Air Transport Statistics 1960–2000.
}}
By 1964, TCA had grown to become Canada's national airline and, 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, with the name change taking effect on 1 January 1965.<ref name="CBC timeline" /> [[Elizabeth II]], the [[Monarchy of Canada|Queen of Canada]], flew on the first aircraft to bear the name and livery of Air Canada when she departed for the United Kingdom at the end of her 1964 tour of Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Ontario.<ref>{{cite AV media| people=Sparling, Gordon; Bala, Nicholas| title=The Queen in Canada| medium=Digital video| publisher=National Film Board of Canada| location=Ottawa| date=1964| url=https://www.nfb.ca/film/queen_in_canada_1964| access-date=20 October 2014| archive-date=11 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811114708/http://www.nfb.ca/film/queen_in_canada_1964| url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 1970s, government regulations ensured Air Canada's dominance over domestic regional carriers and rival [[CP Air]].<ref name=AChist>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Air-Canada-Company-History.html|title=Air Canada – Company History|year=2009|publisher=International Directory of Company Histories|access-date=19 August 2009|archive-date=8 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008203243/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Air-Canada-Company-History.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Short-haul carriers were each restricted to one of five regions, and could not compete directly with Air Canada and CP Air.<ref name=AChist/> CP Air was subject to capacity limits on intercontinental flights, and restricted from domestic operations. Air Canada's fares were also subject to regulation by the government.<ref name=AChist/>
[[File:Boeing 767-233, Air Canada AN0201046.jpg|thumb|An Air Canada [[Boeing 767-200]] in the 1964-1992 livery]]

In 1976, with reorganization at CNR, Air Canada became an independent [[Crown corporation]]. The ''Air Canada Act'' of 1978 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.<ref name=AChist/> The act also transferred ownership from Canadian National Railway to a subsidiary of the national government.<ref name="CBCHist"/> Deregulation of the Canadian airline market, under the new ''National Transportation Act, 1987'' officially opened the airline market in Canada to equal competition.<ref>{{cite web | work=The Canadian Airline Industry | date=14 November 2002 | first1=John | last1=Christopher | first2=Joseph P. | last2=Dion | url=http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/892-e.htm | access-date=4 April 2009 | title=Issue Definition | publisher=Government of Canada / Depository Services Program | archive-date=11 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211130147/http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/892-e.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The carrier's fleet expansion saw the acquisition of [[Boeing 727]], [[Boeing 747]], and [[Lockheed Tristar]] jetliners.<ref name=awst/> 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.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship |url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/corporate-responsibility/captain-judy-cameron-scholarship.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141002/http://tgblogsite.com/captaincraig/?tag=flight-training-organization&paged=4 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=2024-01-31 |publisher=Air Canada}}</ref>

With new fleet expenditures outpacing earnings, Air Canada officials indicated that the carrier would need additional sources of capital to fund its modernization.<ref name=AChist/> By 1985 the Canadian government was indicating a willingness to privatize both Canadian National Railways and Air Canada.<ref name=AChist/> In 1988, Air Canada was privatized, and 43% of shares were sold on the public market,<ref name="CBC timeline"/> with the [[initial public offering]] completed in October of that year.<ref name=AChist/> By this time, long-haul rival [[CP Air]] had become [[Canadian Airlines International]] following its acquisition by [[Pacific Western Airlines]].<ref name=awst/>

On 7 December 1987, Air Canada became the first airline in the world with a fleet-wide non-smoking policy,<ref name=ACInnov>{{cite web | title=Air Canada Innovations | publisher=Air Canada | url=http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/innovations.html | access-date=24 May 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090430030117/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/innovations.html| archive-date= 30 April 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> and in [[1989 Canadian federal budget|1989]] became completely [[privatized]].<ref name="CBC timeline"/> The successful privatization program was led by the President and CEO, Pierre J. Jeanniot. The associated extensive communication activities were aided by the Non-Executive Chairman, Claude I. Taylor.

===Strategic changes (1990s)===
[[File:Star Alliance (Air Canada) Airbus A340-313 C-FYLD (23761975652).jpg|thumb|An Air Canada [[Airbus A340-300]] in [[Star Alliance]] livery, 1997. Air Canada was a founding member of the [[airline alliance]], established in 1997.]]

In the early 1990s, Air Canada encountered financial difficulties as the airline industry slumped in the aftermath of the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]].<ref name=awst/> In response, the airline restructured management by hiring former [[Delta Air Lines]] executive Hollis L. Harris as its CEO. Harris restructured the airline's operations, reduced management positions, moved the corporate headquarters to [[Dorval Airport]],<ref name=awst/> and sold the ''[[enRoute (credit card)|enRoute]]'' card business to [[Diners Club]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CEED8163BF934A15750C0A964958260 | title=Air Canada Sells Credit Card Unit | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=24 May 2009 | date=27 March 1992 | archive-date=14 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214131629/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CEED8163BF934A15750C0A964958260 | url-status=live }}</ref> By 1994, Air Canada returned to profitability.<ref name=awst/> The same year also saw the carrier winning route access to fly from Canada to the new [[Kansai International Airport|Kansai Airport]] in Osaka, Japan.<ref name=awst/>

In 1995, taking advantage of a new US-Canada [[open skies]] agreement, Air Canada added 30 new trans-border routes.<ref name=awst/> In May 1997, Air Canada became a founding member of the [[Star Alliance]], with the airline launching [[codesharing|codeshares]] with several of the alliance's members. The second half of the 1990s saw the airline earn consistent profits, totalling $1&nbsp;billion for the 1997 to 1999 period.<ref name=awst/>

On 2 September 1998, pilots for Air Canada launched the company's first pilots' strike,<ref name=Macleans21Sep1998>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011771 |title=Air Canada Strike Settled |magazine=[[Maclean's]] |access-date=24 May 2009 |date=21 September 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213214148/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011771 |archive-date=13 February 2009 }}</ref> demanding higher wages.<ref name=AChist/> At the end of 1999, the Canadian government relaxed some aviation regulations, aiming to consolidate the Canadian airline industry. That year, [[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.<ref name=awst/>

===Merger and reorganization (2000s)===
[[File:Canadian Airlines Boeing 737-275; C-GEPW@MIA, February 2000 CYG (6351375046).jpg|thumb|A [[Boeing 737-275]] with a hybrid Air Canada-[[Canadian Airlines International]] livery. The latter airline was acquired by Air Canada in 2001.]]
In January 2000, Air Canada acquired Canada's second-largest air carrier, [[Canadian Airlines International]], merging the latter's operations, becoming the world's twelfth-largest airline in the first decade of the 21st century.<ref name="CBC timeline"/> As Air Canada gained access to its former rival's financial statements, officials learned that the carrier was in worse financial shape than was previously believed.<ref name=AChist/> An expedited merger strategy was pursued, but in summer 2000 integration efforts led to flight delays, luggage problems and other frustrations.<ref name=AChist/> Service improved following Air Canada officials' pledge to do so by January 2001.<ref name=AChist/> The airline was confronted by the global aviation market downturn and increased competition, posting back-to-back losses in 2001 and 2002.<ref name=AChist/>

====Bankruptcy and restructuring====
As Air Canada had employed a scorched earth policy to prevent the Onex proposed acquisition as one of its lines of defense, it had burdened itself with onerous contracts with almost all of its suppliers. As a result, on 1 April 2003, Air Canada filed for protection under the [[Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act]]; it emerged from this protection on 30 September 2004, 18 months later. During the period of bankruptcy protection, the company was subject to two competing bids from [[Cerberus Capital Management]] and [[Victor Li]]. The Cerberus bid would have seen former Prime Minister [[Brian Mulroney]] installed as chairman, being recruited by Cerberus' international advisory board chair [[Dan Quayle]], the former vice-president of the United States. Cerberus was rejected because it had a reputation of changing existing employee pension agreements, a move strongly opposed by the [[CAW National Council 4000|CAW]]. At first, Air Canada selected Victor Li's ''Trinity Time Investments'', which initially asked for a board veto and the chairmanship in return for investing $650&nbsp;million in the airline. Li, who holds dual citizenship from Canada and Hong Kong, later demanded changes to the pension plan (which was not in his original takeover bid), but since the unions refused to budge, the bid was withdrawn.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-04-05-air-canada_x.htm |title=Air Canada unions dig in, rescue deal seen at risk |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=5 April 2004 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=27 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427121930/http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-04-05-air-canada_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Finally, [[Deutsche Bank]] unveiled an $850&nbsp;million financing package for Air Canada, if it would cut $200&nbsp;million in annual costs in addition to the $1.1&nbsp;billion that the unions agreed on in 2003. The offer was accepted after last-minute talks between CEO [[Robert Milton]] and CAW president [[Buzz Hargrove]] resulted in union concessions.<ref name="CBC timeline"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-faces-deadline-on-deutsche-bank-deal-1.492087|title=Air Canada faces deadline on Deutsche Bank deal|date=14 May 2004|publisher=CBC News|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128065553/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-faces-deadline-on-deutsche-bank-deal-1.492087|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=CanEncyc>{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/air-canada | title=Air Canada | encyclopedia=[[The Canadian Encyclopedia]] | access-date=28 November 2021 | first=Sasha | last=Yusufali | archive-date=28 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128065551/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/air-canada | url-status=live }}</ref>

ACE Aviation Holdings became the new parent company under which the reorganized Air Canada was held.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/index.html |title=ACE Aviation |publisher=ACE Aviation |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=21 February 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707080351/http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2004, Canadian singer [[Celine Dion]] became the face of Air Canada, hoping to relaunch the airline and draw in a more international market after 18 months of bankruptcy protection.<ref name="ACnewlook"/> She recorded her single, "[[You and I (Celine Dion song)|You and I]]", which subsequently appeared in several Air Canada commercials.<ref>{{cite web|author=Renée Alexander |url=http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2006/id20060510_847981.htm?chan=innovation_branding_top+stories |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614200720/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2006/id20060510_847981.htm?chan=innovation_branding_top+stories |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 June 2006 |title=WestJet Airlines – High Times |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=10 May 2006 |access-date=21 February 2011}}</ref>

====Fleet modernization====
[[File:C-GHPV Air Canada B788 FRA (33882313988).jpg|thumb|left|An Air Canada [[Boeing 787-8]] in the 'Frosted Leaf' livery at [[Frankfurt Airport]]. In 2005, the airline ordered a number of Boeing 787-8s.]]
On 31 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. The [[Boeing 747-400]] fleet was replaced by the [[Airbus A340]] fleet.<ref>[http://www.aircanada.com/en/onair/december/aviation.html Aviation giant retires – onAir, December 2004, aircanada.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204072114/http://www.aircanada.com/en/onair/december/aviation.html |date=4 February 2016 }} Date accessed: 6 November 2008</ref> 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'.<ref name="ACnewlook">[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-canada-unveils-new-look-and-leading-edge-in-flight-enhancements-canadian-superstar-celine-dion-joins-employees-to-launch-new-era-for-nations-flag-carrier-74402422.html Air Canada unveils New Look and Leading Edge In-Flight Enhancements, Canadian Superstar Celine Dion joins Employees to Launch New era for Nation's Flag Carrier, prnewswire.com, 19 October 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107124535/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-canada-unveils-new-look-and-leading-edge-in-flight-enhancements-canadian-superstar-celine-dion-joins-employees-to-launch-new-era-for-nations-flag-carrier-74402422.html |date=7 November 2014 }} Date accessed: 23 May 2014</ref>

On 9 November 2005, Air Canada agreed to renew its widebody fleet by purchasing 16 [[Boeing 777]]s (10 -300ERs, 6 -200LRs), and 14 [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner|Boeing 787-8]]s. It placed options on 18 Boeing 777s and 46 Boeing 787-8s and -9s.<ref>[http://www.sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=13&issuerNo=00020954&fileName=/csfsprod/data63/filings/00880502/00000001/x%3A%5CSedar%5C2006%5CACEAviation%5C18jan%5CAIRCANADA.pdf Download SEDAR Filings - 4 November 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403122734/http://www.sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=13&issuerNo=00020954&fileName=/csfsprod/data63/filings/00880502/00000001/x%3A%5CSedar%5C2006%5CACEAviation%5C18jan%5CAIRCANADA.pdf |date=3 April 2015 }} Date accessed: 20 October 2008</ref> Deliveries of the 777s began in March 2007 and deliveries of the 787s began in May 2014.<ref name="globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com">{{Cite web |url=http://globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com/2014/05/boeing-delivers-air-canadas-first-787.html |title=Boeing Delivers Air Canada's First 787 Dreamliner |access-date=16 May 2014 |date=16 May 2016 |last=Gigacz |first=Oliver |work=Global Aviation Express |archive-date=17 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121702/http://globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com/2014/05/boeing-delivers-air-canadas-first-787.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

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. In November 2007, Air Canada leased an additional [[Boeing 777|Boeing 777-300ER]].<ref name="Boeing25Apr2008">{{cite news |date=25 April 2007 |title=Boeing, Air Canada Announce 23 Additional 787 Dreamliners |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-04-25-Boeing-Air-Canada-Announce-23-Additional-787-Dreamliners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119015327/http://boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070425c_nr.html |archive-date=19 January 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=Boeing}}</ref><ref name="Air Canada - Our Fleet">''Air Canada – Our Fleet'' 24 August 2009 [http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ aircanada.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015083113/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ |date=15 October 2016 }} Date accessed: 24 August 2009</ref>

====Project XM====
Started in July 2006 and since completed, ''Project XM: Extreme Makeover'', was a $300&nbsp;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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jang |first=Brent |date=December 26, 2006 |title=Air Canada embarks on Extreme Makeover |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/air-canada-embarks-on-extreme-makeover/article4113859/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014004004/http://www.globelink.ca/industry/travel/article.asp?id=22 |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref>
New cabin features included:<ref name="fleet">[http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ Air Canada/Air Canada Jazz fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015083113/http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/ |date=15 October 2016 }} Date accessed: 18 February 2009</ref><ref name="EconomyNA">[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naecono.html Cabin Comfort – Economy Class – North America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217094940/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naecono.html |date=17 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013</ref><ref name="EconomyInt">[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intecono.html Cabin Comfort – Economy Class – International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913044007/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intecono.html |date=13 September 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013</ref><ref name="ExecNA">[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naexec.html Cabin Comfort – Business Class – North America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217094946/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_naexec.html |date=17 December 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013</ref><ref name="ExecFirst">[http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intexec.html Cabin Comfort – International Business Class] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104054348/http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/comfort_intexec.html |date=4 November 2008 }} Date accessed: 4 December 2013</ref>
* In Executive First, new horizontal fully flat Executive First Suites (on Boeing 767s, Boeing 777s, and Airbus A330s).
* New seats in all classes on all aircraft, with new entertainment options.
* Personal AVOD ({{convert|8.9|in|disp=or|abbr=on}} touchscreen LCD) in Economy class (domestic and international) and Executive Class (domestic).
* Larger AVOD ({{convert|12|in|disp=or|abbr=on}} touchscreen LCD) equipped with noise-cancelling [[Sennheiser]] headphones available in Executive First Suites.
* Interactive games at all seats in Executive and Economy; [[XM Radio Canada]] available at every seat.
* USB ports to recharge electronic devices and for game controllers at all seats; 120 VAC plugs in most seats; 
** In Economy (2 per triple) (1 per double) (3 per quad). 
** In First Class/Executive (All seats)

====Late 2000s financial difficulties====
High fuel prices and the [[Great Recession]] caused Air Canada significant financial difficulties in the late 2000s. In June 2008, the airline announced it would lay off over 2,000 employees and cut its capacity by 7 percent by the first quarter of 2009.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 June 2008|title=Air Canada cutting 2,000 jobs, trimming capacity|language=en-CA|work=[[CBC News]]|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-cutting-2-000-jobs-trimming-capacity-1.699586|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301233013/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-cutting-2-000-jobs-trimming-capacity-1.699586|url-status=live}}</ref> President and CEO [[Montie Brewer]] expressed confidence that the airline would weather the economic downturn.<ref>{{cite news|last=Deveau|first=Scott|date=24 November 2008|title=Brewer handling Air Canada obstacles; CEO confident carrier has troubles in hand|work=[[Financial Post]]|publisher=[[Postmedia]]|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/330796242|access-date=1 December 2020|id={{ProQuest|330796242}}|via=[[ProQuest]]|archive-date=2 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402015027/https://www.proquest.com/docview/330796242|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Calin Rovinescu 2015.jpg|thumb|[[Calin Rovinescu]] in 2015. Rovinescu served as the CEO of Air Canada from 2009 to 2021.]]
Brewer resigned on 30 March 2009 and was replaced by [[Calin Rovinescu]] on 1 April.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jang|first1=Brent|title=Brewer resigns as Air Canada Chief|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/brewer-resigns-as-air-canada-chief/article1156460/|access-date=25 January 2015|newspaper=Globe and Mail|date=31 March 2009|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403113933/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/brewer-resigns-as-air-canada-chief/article1156460/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rovinescu became the first Canadian President since [[Claude Taylor (transportation executive)|Claude Taylor]] in 1992. Rovinescu, reported to be "an enforcer", was Air Canada's chief restructuring officer during its 2003 bankruptcy; he resigned that year after unions rejected his demands.<ref>{{cite news |first= |date=31 March 2009 |title=Air Canada drafts an enforcer |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/streetwise/air-canada-drafts-an-enforcer/article782633/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403195305/http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090331.WBstreetwise20090331084002/WBStory/WBstreetwise |archive-date=3 April 2009 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |publisher=}}</ref>

Air Canada's contracts with four unions also expired around this time. The airline stated that its $2.85&nbsp;billion pension shortfall (which grew from $1.2&nbsp;billion in 2007) was a "liquidity risk" in its first-quarter report, and it required new financing and pension "relief" to conserve cash for 2010 operations. The company was obligated to pay $650&nbsp;million into the pension fund but it suffered a 2009 Q1 loss of $400&nbsp;million, so it requested a moratorium on its pension payments in 2009. The unions had insisted on financial guarantees before agreeing on a deal. Rejecting union calls for a direct bailout of the company, federal finance minister [[Jim Flaherty]] instead appointed retired judge James Farley to mediate pension issues between the company, the unions representing its employees, and retirees. Farley had presided over the company's 2003 bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 June 2009 |title=Flaherty appoints ex-judge to mediate Air Canada pension issues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/flaherty-appoints-ex-judge-to-mediate-air-canada-pension-issues-1.823961 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607095926/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/04/air-canada-pension.html |archive-date=7 June 2009 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |work=[[CBC News]] |publisher=}}</ref>

In July 2009, Air Canada requested and received CA$1&nbsp;billion in financial aid from a consortium of entities, including the Canadian government, ACE, and associate company Aeroplan. The Centre for Aviation reported that only CA$600&nbsp;million was actually loaned to Air Canada; the rest of the money was from sale-leaseback accounting and "aggregating an array of biscuit-tin savings".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/air-canada-bailout-buys-time---but-canada-inc-sells-out-to-forces-of-protectionism-8958|title=Air Canada bailout buys time - but Canada Inc sells out to forces of protectionism|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601023142/https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/air-canada-bailout-buys-time---but-canada-inc-sells-out-to-forces-of-protectionism-8958|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010s===
In December 2010, ACE sold 44&nbsp;million Air Canada shares,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/documents/ACE_history.pdf | title=ACE History and Background | date=January 2011 | publisher=ACE Aviation | access-date=14 March 2019 | archive-date=28 August 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828172808/http://www.aceaviation.com/en/about/documents/ACE_history.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> followed by the remaining 31&nbsp;million shares in November 2012 to Cormark Securities Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=2011147913&view=65938-0&Start=10&htm=0|title=ACE Aviation|access-date=24 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904124905/http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=2011147913&view=65938-0&Start=10&htm=0|archive-date=4 September 2015}}</ref>

==== New branding and fleet ====
[[File:Air Canada 2017 new livery - Airbus A321-211.jpg|thumb|New livery for Air Canada's fleet, unveiled at [[Montréal–Trudeau International Airport]] in February 2017 with an [[Airbus A321]]]]
On 9 February 2017, a new retro red and black aircraft livery was launched, to coincide with Air Canada's 80th anniversary and Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. The update includes design aspects from the logo used between 1964 and 1992, with an overall white colour scheme, with a black underside, tail fin with red maple leaf rondelle, black "Air Canada" lettering with a red maple leaf rondelle underneath, and a black "mask" surrounding the cockpit windows.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Nation's Carrier|url=https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/aircanada/portal/documents/PDF/media/livery/illustrative_guide_en.pdf#page=6|publisher=Air Canada|access-date=5 November 2017|date=2017|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155053/https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/aircanada/portal/documents/PDF/media/livery/illustrative_guide_en.pdf#page=6|url-status=live}}</ref> 
[[File:C-GJXN of Air Canada.jpg|thumb|An Air Canada [[Airbus A220|Airbus A220-300]] at [[Halifax Stanfield International Airport]], 2020]]
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 with the first MAX&nbsp;8 variant delivered on 2 November 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Air Canada orders 61 Boeing 737 MAX jets |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-orders-61-boeing-737-max-jets-1.2460560 |access-date=15 May 2020 |date=11 December 2013 |archive-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902040315/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-orders-61-boeing-737-max-jets-1.2460560 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skiesmag.com/news/air-canada-takes-first-boeing-737-max/|last=Cline|first=Andy|date=2 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|title=Air Canada takes its first Boeing 737 MAX|work=Skies Mag|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015537/https://www.skiesmag.com/news/air-canada-takes-first-boeing-737-max/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some [[Airbus A319]]s will be transferred to Air Canada's Rouge subsidiary, with the remaining fleet retired. As part of the deal, Boeing purchased 25 Embraer E190s from Air Canada that were retired in 2016. The same year, Air Canada signed an agreement with [[Bombardier Aerospace]] to replace the E190s with [[Bombardier CSeries|Airbus A220/CSeries]] aircraft from 2019.<ref name="cseries order">{{cite press release|url=https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2016-02-17-Air-Canada-to-Purchase-Bombardier-C-Series-as-Part-of-its-Fleet-Renewal-Program|title=Air Canada to Purchase Bombardier C Series as Part of its Fleet Renewal Program|date=17 February 2016|access-date=17 July 2019|work=Air Canada|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708132710/https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2016-02-17-Air-Canada-to-Purchase-Bombardier-C-Series-as-Part-of-its-Fleet-Renewal-Program|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2017, Air Canada reintroduced Premium Economy on its North American wide-body flights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/20170609|title=Air Canada Travel News and Updates|website=www.aircanada.com|access-date=15 June 2017|archive-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731233409/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/20170609|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2018, Air Canada rebranded its international business class cabin as Air Canada Signature Class.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/onboard/cabin-features/signature-service.html?icid=ac%7Cachome%7Csignature%7Ccaen%7C180417%7Cbnr | title=Air Canada Signature Service | publisher=Air Canada | access-date=9 July 2019 | archive-date=25 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725010609/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/onboard/cabin-features/signature-service.html?icid=ac%7Cachome%7Csignature%7Ccaen%7C180417%7Cbnr | url-status=live }}</ref> Passengers could expect an enhanced menu, including the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail, as well as new amenity kits, a chauffeur service (using BMW vehicles) at its hubs during domestic to international connections, and access to the Air Canada Signature Suite at [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. On select North American routes, Air Canada Signature Service is offered on widebody aircraft.

In May 2018, Air Canada listed Taiwan as part of China to comply with a requirement of China's civil aviation administration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2018/05/18/taiwanese-community-upset-as-air-canada-caves-to-demand-to-list-the-territory-as-part-of-china.html|title=Air Canada move to list Taiwan as part of China sees backlash, threat of boycot|work=thestar.com|access-date=12 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142421/https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2018/05/18/taiwanese-community-upset-as-air-canada-caves-to-demand-to-list-the-territory-as-part-of-china.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 June 2018, Air Canada and [[Air China]] signed a joint venture, the first joint venture between a North American and Chinese airline.<ref name=GN1>{{cite news |title=Air Canada, Air China sign agreement to boost co-operation on Canada-China flights |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4256217/air-canada-air-china-agreement/ |date=6 June 2018 |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=Global News |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807010146/https://globalnews.ca/news/4256217/air-canada-air-china-agreement/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Proposed acquisition of 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&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5138180| title = Air Canada in exclusive talks to buy Air Transat| date = 16 May 2019| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 20 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2024-07-13 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240713051423/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5138180| url-status = live}}</ref>

On 27 June 2019, Transat A.T. agreed to be purchased by Air Canada for CA$13 per share.  On 11 August 2019, Air Canada raised the purchase price of Transat A.T. to CA$18 per share. The overall value of the deal was now $720&nbsp;million. On 23 August 2019, 95% of Transat A.T. shareholders approved the acquisition by Air Canada on that basis.  The agreement was revised downwards in October 2020 to CA$5 per share, reflecting the challenges posed to the airline industry by the [[COVID-19|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5760154| title = Air Canada agrees to still take over Air Transat, but for much lower price| last = Evans| first = Pete| date = 13 Oct 2020| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 28 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2020-11-22 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201122100059/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-transat-1.5760154| url-status = live}}</ref>

The plan was "expected to face intense scrutiny from the Competition Bureau and other regulatory authorities, including in Europe", according to CBC News.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-transat-shareholders-approve-sale-air-canada-1.5257276|title=Transat shareholders approve Air Canada takeover, deal now in regulators' hands|date=23 August 2019|website=CBC|access-date=25 August 2019|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825185229/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-transat-shareholders-approve-sale-air-canada-1.5257276|url-status=live}}</ref>  While the Government of Canada approved the takeover on 11 February 2021,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-air-canada-transat-1.5911340| title = Federal government approves Air Canada purchase of Transat A.T. Inc.| last1 = Zimonjic| first1 = Peter| last2 = Burke| first2 = Ashley| date = 11 Feb 2021| website = CBC News| publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation| access-date = 28 Jan 2024| archive-date = 2024-02-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240217022026/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-air-canada-transat-1.5911340| url-status = live}}</ref> it was dropped in April 2021 following a failure to secure [[European Commission]] approval.<ref>{{cite news|date=2 April 2021|title=Air Canada Drops Transat Takeover After Battle With Europe|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-02/air-canada-cancels-takeover-of-transat-after-battle-with-europe|access-date=3 April 2021|archive-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402164905/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-02/air-canada-cancels-takeover-of-transat-after-battle-with-europe|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
[[Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic|Travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic]] forced Air Canada to heavily restrict service. On 18 March 2020, the airline announced it would suspend most of its flights by 31 March.<ref>{{cite news|last=Atkins|first=Eric|date=18 March 2020|title=Air Canada to gradually suspend most U.S., international flights by March 31|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|publisher=[[The Woodbridge Company]]|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-transat-starts-suspending-flights-laying-off-workers-as-virus-closes/|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112005151/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-transat-starts-suspending-flights-laying-off-workers-as-virus-closes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Service began to return to normal on 22 May, with flights to more cities being added over the summer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2020|title=Air Canada Announces New Schedule Offering Customers Wide Choice of Destinations for Safe Travel this Summer and Expands Goodwill Policy|url=https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2020-05-22-Air-Canada-Announces-New-Schedule-Offering-Customers-Wide-Choice-of-Destinations-for-Safe-Travel-this-Summer-and-Expands-Goodwill-Policy|access-date=1 December 2020|language=en-CA|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129220506/https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2020-05-22-Air-Canada-Announces-New-Schedule-Offering-Customers-Wide-Choice-of-Destinations-for-Safe-Travel-this-Summer-and-Expands-Goodwill-Policy|url-status=live}}</ref> In its first quarterly financial report, Air Canada announced it had lost CA$1.05&nbsp;billion, compared to a profit of CA$345&nbsp;million in Q1 2019.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-financial-results-1.5554267| title = Air Canada reports $1.05B first-quarter loss due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic {{!}} CBC News| access-date = 15 July 2020| archive-date = 30 June 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200630225853/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-financial-results-1.5554267| url-status = live}}</ref> The airline similarly suffered in the third quarter, reporting a loss of CA$685&nbsp;million. It stated capacity in the fourth quarter of the 2020 fiscal year would be 75 percent lower than the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 November 2020|title=Air Canada reports $685M loss in third quarter amid COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7450984/air-canada-profits-plunge-coronavirus/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Global News|publisher=Corus Entertainment|language=en-US|archive-date=10 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110002901/https://globalnews.ca/news/7450984/air-canada-profits-plunge-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, after the provincial governments across the country began lifting pandemic-era restrictions, Air Canada announced it was cancelling over 150 daily flights in the summer due to unprecedented and unexpected pressure in the aviation industry.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Air Canada cancels 154 flights a day this summer amid 'unprecedented and unforeseen strains' |url=https://financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/air-canada-cancels-154-flights-a-day-this-summer-amid-unprecedented-and-unforeseen-strains |website=Financial Post |date=4 July 2022 |last1=Bharti |first1=Bianca |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701075057/https://financialpost.com/transportation/airlines/air-canada-cancels-154-flights-a-day-this-summer-amid-unprecedented-and-unforeseen-strains |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2021, the [[Government of Canada]] acquired 6.4% of Air Canada as a part of a $5.9&nbsp;billion [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] related assistance package, and has not ruled out further investment.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Will the $5.9 Billion Bailout Save Air Canada (TSX:AC) From COVID-19?|url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-9-billion-bailout-save-121742271.html|access-date=22 April 2021|website=ca.finance.yahoo.com|date=20 April 2021 |language=en-CA|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422172002/https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-9-billion-bailout-save-121742271.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

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]] beginning 1 October 2022 and noted that the measures were not justified by science.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mraircanada.mediaroom.com/2022-09-26-Air-Canada-Welcomes-Government-of-Canada-Decision-to-Lift-Mask,-Testing-and-ArriveCan-Requirements|title=Air Canada Welcomes Government of Canada Decision to Lift Mask, Testing and ArriveCan Requirements|website=Air Canada|access-date=2023-07-29 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816163626/https://mraircanada.mediaroom.com/2022-09-26-Air-Canada-Welcomes-Government-of-Canada-Decision-to-Lift-Mask,-Testing-and-ArriveCan-Requirements|url-status=live}}</ref>