by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Fri December 12, 2025
Air Canada is marking what it calls a year of major achievements.
The airline released its annual 12 Days of Cheer video, a recap of the company’s big moments and a look ahead to 2026.
“As we reflect on the year, we are deeply appreciative of our customers’ loyalty and the dedication of our employees, who represent the very best of Canada around the world. We were able to achieve so many meaningful milestones, from further expanding our network to enhancing customer service and strengthening our community ties,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.
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“Our 12 Days of Cheer video highlights some of these accomplishments, and, on behalf of our 40,000 employees worldwide, I wish you the best of the season. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard this holiday season and throughout 2026.”
Here are the highlights featured in Air Canada’s year-end roundup:
Route Growth and Network Expansion
Air Canada underscored its Latin America expansion, which includes four new destinations, 13 new routes and a 16% increase in capacity starting this winter. The airline also launched 12 new international destinations in 2025, including service to Manila, and announced seven more for 2026 such as Montréal–Berlin, Montréal–Palma de Mallorca, Montréal–Nantes and Toronto–Ponta Delgada.
Recognition and Awards
The airline marked its sixth consecutive Five Star Global Airline Award from APEX, with customers also voting its Bell-sponsored onboard Wi-Fi the Best Inflight Connectivity. Air Canada was additionally named Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which also recognized its Signature Suite in Toronto and its cabin crew in both Canada and North America.
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Air Canada received four distinctions, including being named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and earning recognition for its mental health and wellness programs.
Loyalty and Customer Experience
Aeroplan reached 10 million members in 2025, a major milestone for the program as it continues to add new partners. Onboard, Air Canada expanded complimentary beer, wine and Canadian-made snacks to all Economy passengers, and recently introduced MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Bars and Greenhouse Ginger Defence shots.
The airline also opened two new domestic Air Canada Café locations in Montréal and Vancouver.
Operational and Sustainability Initiatives
The Québec City station became Air Canada’s first fully electric ground-support equipment base, completing a shift away from fossil fuel-powered machinery across all main categories.
Air Canada also highlighted its on-time performance, ranking in Cirium’s Top 3 for three months in 2025—twice taking the top spot among North American carriers. The airline reports a three-point OTP improvement over 2024.
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Community and Family Programs
Through Dreams Take Flight, more than 1,000 children from across Canada travelled to theme parks in Florida and California for a day of “rides, magic and laughter.”
Air Canada Vacations marked its 50th anniversary earlier this year.
Watch 12 Days of Cheer video
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