Air Canada, the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada, traces its origins back to April 1937 with the establishment of Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) by the Canadian federal government. TCA began its first passenger flight in September 1937 and was subsequently renamed Air Canada in 1965, becoming fully privatized in 1988. The airline's corporate headquarters are located in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal, Quebec, with its primary operational hubs situated at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto–Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Air Canada operates a diverse fleet of over 400 aircraft, recognized as one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient globally. Its mainline fleet comprises wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner for long-haul international routes. For short-haul and medium-haul flights, it utilizes Airbus A320 family aircraft (A319, A320, A321), Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Airbus A220-300. The airline's operations extend through its subsidiaries, including Air Canada Cargo (operating Boeing 767-300F freighters), Air Canada Express (with regional partners like Jazz Aviation LP operating regional jets and turboprops such as CRJ900, Embraer E175, and Dash 8-400), and Air Canada Rouge (a leisure airline primarily using Airbus A320 family aircraft).
The airline maintains a comprehensive route network, connecting Canada to over 220 destinations across six continents. This global reach includes extensive domestic services, a significant transborder presence between Canada and the U.S., and a robust international network spanning transatlantic, transpacific, and Latin American markets. Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, providing passengers with an expansive global transportation network. The airline offers various cabin classes: Economy Class, Premium Economy Class (featuring extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced in-flight services), and Business Class, which is branded as Air Canada Signature Class for international and long-haul wide-body flights. Signature Class provides a premium, end-to-end travel experience with lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, access to exclusive lounges (like the Air Canada Signature Suite), and priority services such as dedicated check-in and expedited security.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall sentiment indicates that Air Canada is a crucial airline for Canadian and international travel, especially appreciated for its premium offerings and network breadth. However, the airline faces common challenges regarding consistent customer service and managing operational disruptions, which can impact the traveler experience.
Air Canada maintains a strong safety record. As a major international carrier and founding member of Star Alliance, it operates under stringent regulatory oversight. Air Canada is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified, a globally recognized standard for airline operational safety. While specific FAA compliance is for operations to/from the US, as a foreign carrier operating to the US, Air Canada adheres to relevant safety standards. The airline is not on any EU safety blacklist.
Air Canada's fleet is considered one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient globally, consisting of modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The airline has a strong reputation for its maintenance practices, which are critical for maintaining a modern and diverse fleet. The airline invests in regular fleet renewal and maintenance programs to ensure the highest safety standards. In April 2025, Air Canada announced its ground operations in Quebec City would achieve 100% electrification of its Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet by the end of 2025, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to modern and efficient operations.
Based on available data, Air Canada generally receives a high overall safety assessment from independent aviation safety rating organizations. The airline has received safety awards or recognitions, such as being named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which also recognized its Signature Suite as the World's Best Business Class Lounge Dining. These awards, based on passenger surveys, highlight the airline's commitment to enhancing all aspects of the travel experience, including safety and operational reliability.Air Canada (ICAO: ACA) Airline Profile
=== SECTION 1: ABOUT THE AIRLINE ===
Air Canada, the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada, traces its origins to April 1937 with the formation of Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) by the Canadian federal government. The airline, which commenced its first passenger flight in September 1937, was rebranded as Air Canada in 1965 and subsequently privatized in 1988. Its corporate headquarters are situated in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal, Quebec. Air Canada's primary operational hubs are located at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto–Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The airline operates a modern and diverse fleet of over 400 aircraft, recognized for being among the youngest and most fuel-efficient globally. For long-haul international routes, its mainline fleet includes wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Short-to-medium-haul flights are served by Airbus A320 family aircraft (A319, A320, A321), Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Airbus A220-300. Air Canada's operational scope is further extended through its subsidiaries: Air Canada Cargo, which operates Boeing 767-300F freighters; Air Canada Express, with regional partners like Jazz Aviation LP utilizing regional jets and turboprops (e.g., CRJ900, Embraer E175, Dash 8-400); and Air Canada Rouge, a leisure airline flying Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to an extensive network of over 220 destinations worldwide, spanning six continents. The airline maintains a strong presence across domestic, Canada-U.S. transborder, and international markets, including transatlantic, transpacific, and Latin American routes. As a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, Air Canada offers passengers seamless global connectivity. Its cabin offerings include Economy Class, Premium Economy Class (providing extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced amenities), and Business Class. The international and long-haul Business Class product is branded as Air Canada Signature Class, delivering an elevated travel experience with lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, lounge access, and priority airport services.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YUL → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
284 | 315 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YYC → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
162 | 427 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| YYC → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
157 | 1685 mi | B38M | Dec 10, 2025 |
| YYZ → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
152 | 315 mi | B38M | Dec 10, 2025 |
| YVR → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
135 | 2081 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YYZ → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
115 | 2081 mi | A321 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| YQM → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
106 | 751 mi | B38M | Oct 24, 2025 |
| YYC → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
88 | 1875 mi | BCS3 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| YYZ → YOW |
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l
Ottawa
|
87 | 226 mi | BCS3 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| YQT → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
84 | 567 mi | B38M | Dec 4, 2025 |
| MBJ → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
75 | 1744 mi | B38M | Dec 9, 2025 |
| YYZ → LGA |
LaGuardia
New York
|
71 | 357 mi | BCS3 | Nov 8, 2025 |
| YVR → YYC |
Calgary Int'l
Calgary
|
67 | 457 mi | B38M | Nov 20, 2025 |
| YVR → YEG |
Edmonton Int'l
Edmonton Capital Region
|
63 | 503 mi | BCS3 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YVR → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
58 | 2290 mi | B38M | Nov 20, 2025 |
| YQR → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
55 | 829 mi | BCS3 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YYZ → YEG |
Edmonton Int'l
Edmonton Capital Region
|
52 | 1673 mi | B38M | Dec 10, 2025 |
| YUL → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
44 | 2290 mi | B38M | Dec 6, 2025 |
| YUL → CDG |
Charles de Gaulle/Roissy
Paris
|
42 | 3436 mi | B77W | Dec 11, 2025 |
| FDF → YUL |
Montreal-Trudeau
Montreal
|
42 | 2261 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YYZ → YHZ |
Halifax Int'l
Halifax
|
40 | 817 mi | A321 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| YQR → YYZ |
Toronto Pearson Int'l
Toronto
|
40 | 1261 mi | A320 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YVR → YWG |
Winnipeg Int'l
Winnipeg
|
38 | 1160 mi | A320 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YYZ → YWG |
Winnipeg Int'l
Winnipeg
|
38 | 935 mi | A320 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| YUL → YHZ |
Halifax Int'l
Halifax
|
37 | 500 mi | B38M | Dec 6, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.