MONTREAL- Flag carrier Air Canada (AC) has announced a strategic expansion targeting 10 to 15 new US destinations within the next three years, aiming to strengthen its position as a global connector between America, Europe, and Asia.
The carrier’s network will encompass 60 to 65 U.S. airports by 2028, marking a significant increase from its current footprint of 50 destinations.
Air Canada New US Destinations
Alexandre Lefèvre, Vice President of Planning and Scheduling at Air Canada, revealed these plans during the Routes Americas conference in Nassau, Bahamas, and is flagged by TPG.
The expansion strategy centers on mid-sized American cities, leveraging Air Canada’s three major hubs – Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver International airports. This approach enhances the airline’s sixth-freedom traffic, where passengers from the United States connect through Canadian hubs to reach destinations in Europe and Asia.
Air Canada’s international reach continues to grow with the announcement of new routes to Manila, Naples, Prague, and Porto in 2025. These additions complement the carrier’s expanding U.S. network, which recently welcomed Jacksonville International Airport to its roster.
Supporting this expansion is Air Canada’s substantial fleet modernization plan. The airline has secured orders for 83 new aircraft, including 27 Airbus A220-300s, 30 Airbus A321XLRs, and 18 Boeing 787-10s, scheduled for delivery through 2029.
The carrier projects annual growth of 5% to 6% over the next three to four years, though ongoing manufacturing delays at Airbus and Boeing could impact this timeline.
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U.S. Market Expansion Opportunities
Air Canada’s Vice President of Planning and Scheduling, Alexandre Lefèvre, has revealed the airline’s focus on unaligned markets where competitive advantages exist. The carrier seeks destinations where routing through Canadian hubs creates efficient pathways to European connections.
Oklahoma City emerges as an exemplar of Air Canada’s target market profile, offering strategic positioning for European connections, though Lefèvre confirms no immediate plans to serve Will Rogers World Airport. Similar potential exists in markets like Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and Louisville, which align with the carrier’s expansion criteria.
The airline’s recent network adjustments include the October cessation of Hartford service after maintaining the route for over two decades. This strategic shift reflects Air Canada’s evolving market priorities and resource allocation.
The expansion strategy operates within Air Canada’s joint venture framework with United Airlines, enabling coordinated scheduling and fare structures on transborder routes. United’s sales network amplifies Air Canada’s presence in the American market. Additionally, both carriers maintain a separate joint venture with the Lufthansa Group for transatlantic operations.
Major U.S. metropolitan areas continue to drive Air Canada’s international connectivity. Lefèvre emphasizes that established markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York generate substantial traffic volumes, with demand exceeding current nonstop capacity.
Featured Image By Clément Alloing
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