Air Canada Stock Price, News & Analysis

Air Canada's Aeroplan and Parkland Corporation have announced a new loyalty partnership set to launch in Fall 2023. This partnership will allow Aeroplan and JOURNIE™ Rewards members to link their accounts, enhancing their ability to earn and redeem points across various Canadian fuel and convenience store brands, including Chevron, Ultramar, and Pioneer.

The initiative aims to offer broader earning and redemption opportunities while introducing EV charging rewards. Parkland's strategic move aligns with its customer engagement goals and will integrate with its existing JOURNIE™ Rewards program.

Details about the partnership will be disclosed leading up to the launch, emphasizing increased choice and value for customers across Canada.

Air Canada and United Airlines announced an increase in summer capacity by over 20%, introducing new non-stop flights between Washington-Dulles and Calgary as well as Vancouver. Effective June 1 and June 2, these flights aim to enhance connectivity and schedule flexibility for customers. The carriers will operate more than 260 daily transborder flights, optimizing schedules with significant benefits for frequent travelers, including access to loyalty program perks. This development builds on their joint business agreement announced in July 2022.

On December 20, 2022, Air Canada announced the completion of its cash tender offer for up to US$300 million of its 4.000% Convertible Senior Notes due July 1, 2025. The company accepted US$266,053,000 in principal amount of notes, paying US$1,220 per US$1,000 of principal plus accrued interest, totaling approximately US$329,580,544. This action is part of Air Canada's strategy to deleverage its balance sheet, leaving US$274,153,000 of the notes outstanding. Payment for the accepted notes is scheduled for December 20, 2022, or by December 22, 2022.

Air Canada has announced new flight services as part of its summer 2023 transborder schedule. Starting March 26, double daily services from Toronto and daily services from Montreal to New York's JFK Airport will commence. Additionally, a new four-times weekly service from Toronto to Sacramento will begin on June 1. The airline is also restoring 11 U.S. routes including Vancouver-Austin and Montreal-Nashville from May 1. More than a dozen routes will see increased frequency, strengthening Air Canada's position as the largest international carrier serving New York.

Air Canada announced a cash tender offer to purchase up to US$300 million of its outstanding 4.000% Convertible Senior Notes due July 1, 2025, at a price of US$1,220 per US$1,000 principal amount. The offer expires on December 19, 2022. As of November 11, 2022, US$540.2 million in notes were outstanding. Air Canada aims to use available cash on hand for the purchase, viewing it as an efficient way to deleverage its balance sheet. Independent valuation suggests a fair market value for the notes between US$1,165 and US$1,235.

Air Canada and United Airlines have announced a new joint business agreement to enhance transborder travel between Canada and the U.S. Launching on July 22, 2022, this partnership aims to provide customers with greater flight options, improved schedule coordination, and shared benefits through their loyalty programs, MileagePlus and Aeroplan. The agreement will expand codeshare destinations to 46 with over 400 daily flights, additionally allowing seats on each other's flights and increased capacity. This initiative is part of both airlines' strategies to recover from the pandemic.

An Air Canada-operated humanitarian flight departed from Toronto to Warsaw on March 9, 2022, carrying essential medical supplies for Ukrainian refugees. In collaboration with Airlink, Project C.U.R.E., and Flexport, the shipment included trauma dressings and hospital beds. Project C.U.R.E. will distribute the supplies to hospitals treating injured civilians in Ukraine. This mission reflects a critical need, as over two million people have fled Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. Air Canada continues to support humanitarian efforts through its partnerships.

Air Canada has announced a significant expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022, launching seven new routes and restoring 41 previously suspended routes. The airline will serve 51 Canadian and 46 U.S. airports, with a focus on stimulating travel recovery. Notable new flights include routes from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, and from Toronto to Salt Lake City. This expansion helps Air Canada achieve 90% of its pre-pandemic capacity this summer, enhancing its position as a leading carrier in North America.