Founded: 1937 (as Trans-Canada Air Lines)
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Main hubs: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR) and Calgary (YYC)
Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. From its hubs across the country, it flies to destinations on six continents and offers easy connections throughout North America. Here is a profile of the airline and what to know before you fly.
Air Canada’s background
The airline was founded in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines, a government-owned carrier, and took the name Air Canada in 1965. It was privatised in 1989 and in 1997 became one of the five founding members of Star Alliance, alongside Lufthansa, United, SAS and Thai Airways.
The fleet
Air Canada operates a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Long-haul routes are flown mainly by Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777s and Airbus A330s, while Airbus A220s, A320-family jets and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft serve North American routes. Its regional partner, Air Canada Express, connects smaller communities, and its leisure brand, Air Canada Rouge, flies to holiday destinations.
Network and service
The Air Canada network covers well over 150 destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. On long-haul flights it offers Signature Class business cabins with lie-flat seats, premium economy and economy. Its loyalty programme, Aeroplan, is one of the most popular in North America.
Safety
Air Canada operates to the strict standards of Transport Canada and international regulations, with highly trained crews and a well-maintained fleet.
Air Canada and Israel
Air Canada has operated flights between Toronto and Tel Aviv, and at times from Montreal, giving travellers a direct link between Israel and Canada with onward connections across North America. Its Israel flights have been suspended and resumed depending on the security situation, so check the current schedule before booking. The airline also drew attention in Israel over a controversy about an in-flight map.
Tips for flying Air Canada
- Check entry rules: Israeli passport holders travelling to Canada need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) or a visa, depending on their eligibility – check the official Canadian government website before booking.
- Compare fare types: economy fares range from Basic, with hand luggage only, to Standard, Flex and Latitude, which add bags and flexibility.
- Use the hubs: Toronto is the main gateway for connections to the rest of Canada and the US.
Planning a trip? See our Canada travel guide, and compare with other North American airlines in our profiles of American Airlines and Delta.
