Air Canada controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Air Canada faces criticism over influencer travel promotions
Public backlash
In early 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada faced criticism for hiring influencers to promote travel and vacation packages. The criticism centered on the airline's use of influencer marketing at a time when pandemic-related travel conditions were in place. Air Canada said it continued marketing its services so that customers could learn about its options and safeguards. The company's response framed the promotions as a way to inform customers about available choices and protective measures rather than as an encouragement to travel. The event drew public attention to the airline's promotional practices during the pandemic period.
Source excerpt
Air Canada is taking some heat for hiring influencers to promote travel and vacation packages.
“Despite the pandemic, there is still a need for travel and we continue to market our services so people are aware of their options and the safeguards Air Canada has in place and choose to fly with us,” the airline’s spokesperson, Peter Fitzpatrick, told the Toronto Sun Thursday.
The influencers, paid by Air Canada Vacations, have social media posts showing leisure travel within Canada and to international destinations.
2021
Air Canada CEO apologizes for comments about French
Company response
In November 2021, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau apologized after remarks that he did not need to learn French to get by in Montreal drew criticism. He said he meant no disrespect to Quebecers and francophones. The apology followed widespread criticism of the comments about learning French.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau apologized for remarks that he did not need to learn French to get by in Montreal, after the comments drew criticism. He said he meant no disrespect to Quebecers and francophones.
Company response
Apology — Air Canada
“I apologize to those who were offended by my remarks.”
Source excerpt
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has apologized for comments he made about not needing to learn French to get by in Montreal, words that sparked immediate and widespread backlash.
“I apologize to those who were offended by my remarks.”
About 20 hours later, Rousseau offered a mea culpa — in both languages.
2020
EU opens in-depth investigation into Air Canada’s proposed acquisition of Air Transat
Investigation
On May 25, the European Commission announced an in-depth investigation into Air Canada’s proposed acquisition of Air Transat, citing concerns that the deal could significantly weaken competition on routes between the European Economic Area and Canada.
Source excerpt
公告表示，基于上述原因，加上欧洲经济区国家的航空公司及加拿大其它航空公司尚无法施加足够的竞争压力，欧盟现阶段担心一旦加拿大航空收购越洋航空，将“大大削弱”欧洲经济区往返加拿大航线的市场竞争，因此决定对这一收购展开深入调查。
欧盟25日又对加拿大第一大航空公司加拿大航空“迎头一击” ，宣布对加拿大航空收购其竞争对手越洋航空( Air Transat )展开深入调查。