The Canadian carrier’s progress is reviewed by Martyn Cartledge.
GLOBAL AMBITIONS
Air Canada turned 80 last year and much has changed at the airline since it became a founding member of the Star Alliance in May 1997. As a direct result of Star Alliance collaboration, the carrier joined with United Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS and Thai Airways International to introduce the world’s first interline electronic ticket on June 14, 2000, enabling passengers to book itineraries on multiple airlines. The new millennium also brought the airline’s first non-stop flights to Tokyo.
One of the national carrier’s main rivals, Canadian Airlines, was acquired through a merger on January 1, 2001 and, at the time, made the combined airline the world’s 12th largest.
The organisation also made its first venture into the low-cost market by launching subsidiary, Air Canada Tango, based in Montreal. Boeing 737-200s were used, alongside A320s for the operation, offering low-fare services on some existing routes in Canada, as well as holiday locations, such as Florida.
The aircraft sported a purple tail but still incorporated the maple leaf used by the parent carrier.
Air Canada’s regional activities were regrouped under the Jazz br…
