MONTRÉAL, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Canada was named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2026, the eighth time in a decade the airline has received this recognition. "We’re proud to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This award spotlights how our employees, resource groups, champions, leaders, and community partners work together to build a more fair, equitable, and inclusive future where everyone feels they belong," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsle ...

Core Insights - Air Canada and Pegasus Airlines have formed a new partnership to enhance travel options to Türkiye, specifically to Istanbul and Izmir [1][3][5] Group 1: Partnership Details - The interline agreement allows Air Canada customers to book travel on nine routes operated by Pegasus Airlines, facilitating connections through major European gateways [5][7] - The partnership aims to deepen collaboration with future codeshare and loyalty agreements, enhancing customer benefits [3][6][7] Group 2: Strategic Importance - This partnership strengthens Air Canada's connectivity to a growing market, providing customers with increased choice and flexibility in travel [5][6] - The collaboration is expected to enhance travel convenience with features like single itineraries and through-checked baggage [7] Group 3: Company Profiles - Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada, serving over 180 airports globally and is a founding member of Star Alliance [8] - Pegasus Airlines, established in 1990, operates as a low-cost carrier with a network of 158 destinations across 55 countries, focusing on budget-friendly travel [9]

Core Insights - Air Canada is expanding its summer schedule to Mexico with an 18% increase in seat capacity compared to last summer, reflecting the strengthening ties between Canada and Mexico [1][11] - New year-round flights from Montréal to Guadalajara will be introduced, along with increased frequencies to popular destinations such as Cancún, Monterrey, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta [1][3] Company Expansion - The airline's new service between Montréal and Guadalajara will operate year-round, enhancing connectivity and supporting growing passenger and cargo demand [3][4] - Increased flight frequencies include 11 weekly flights from Montréal to Cancún (up from 7), 4 weekly flights from Toronto to Monterrey (up from 3), and 11 weekly flights from Vancouver to Mexico City (up from 7) [6][9] Economic Impact - The expansion is part of a broader strategy to facilitate tourism, trade, and connectivity, aligning with Canada's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Mexico [4][5] - Enhanced direct connections are expected to benefit Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs by making it easier to pursue opportunities in Mexico [6][7] Historical Context - Air Canada has been operating flights to Mexico since 1954, and currently offers 30 non-stop flights from eight Canadian cities to 11 destinations in Mexico during peak winter season [10][12] - The airline's operations include connections to Europe and Asia through its hubs in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver, further integrating Mexico into its global network [10][12]

Group 1: Metals Sector - Jefferies analysts raised price targets for gold and copper miners, indicating a bullish outlook on precious and base metals [2][9] - Newmont's target increased to $158 from $136 and Barrick Gold's target raised to $66 from $60 [2] - Mid-tier players like Alamos Gold and Endeavour Mining also saw target increases to $61 and C$112 respectively [2] Group 2: Travel Sector - Jefferies cut its price target for Expedia from $285 to $240, reflecting concerns over potential headwinds in the digital booking space [3][9] - The firm remains optimistic about the aviation recovery in North America, raising Air Canada's target to C$22 from C$18 [3] Group 3: Economic Data and Currency - Japan's Q4 2025 GDP growth was below analyst forecasts, leading to a dovish outlook for the Bank of Japan and pushing the EUR/JPY exchange rate above 181.50 [4][9] - Industrial Production remained flat at -0.1% month-over-month in December, but Capacity Utilization rebounded by 1.3% [5] Group 4: Corporate Developments - ByteDance is enhancing safeguards against unauthorized use of IP and likenesses in response to concerns over its Seedance 2.0 project [6][9] - Jefferies raised its target for Moderna to $37 from $30, indicating a stabilizing outlook for the biotech company [7] - TD Cowen analysts upgraded Magna International's price forecast from $58 to $75, signaling confidence in the automotive supplier's growth trajectory for 2026 [7]

Group 1 - Jefferies raised the target price for Air Canada from 18 CAD to 22 CAD [1]

Delivered record operating revenues of $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching $22.4 billion for the full yearOperating income of $918 million and adjusted EBITDA* of $3.1 billion in 2025Generated $3.7 billion in net cash flows from operations and $747 million in free cash flow* in 2025, deployed over $850 million in share buybacksImproved operational performance and customer sentiment scores year over year, recognized as the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Award ...

Core Viewpoint - Air Canada is advancing its fleet modernization program by acquiring eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with an option to purchase eight more, aiming to enhance its long-haul capabilities and operational efficiency starting in 2030 [1][4][5]. Fleet Modernization - The order for eight A350-1000s complements Air Canada's existing fleet, which includes 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and 30 Airbus A321XLRs, as well as ongoing deliveries of the Airbus A220 [8]. - The A350-1000 is expected to deliver a fuel consumption reduction of up to 25% compared to previous generation aircraft, supporting both financial and environmental objectives [6][8]. - The aircraft will feature a new cabin design aimed at improving customer comfort, including advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity options [7][9]. Strategic Importance - The acquisition is seen as a strategic investment to strengthen Air Canada's long-term cost efficiency and competitiveness across its global network [4][6]. - The A350-1000's advanced materials and engines are expected to enhance operational reliability and unlock new long-haul flying possibilities for customers [4][6].

Core Viewpoint - Air Canada has suspended its service to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel, and will operate empty flights to return approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba back to Canada [1][2][4]. Group 1: Service Suspension and Customer Return - Effective February 9, 2026, Air Canada has suspended its flights to Cuba due to an ongoing aviation fuel shortage [1]. - The airline will operate empty flights to Cuba to pick up around 3,000 customers and return them to Canada [1][4]. - As of February 10, aviation fuel is projected to be unavailable at Cuban airports, prompting Air Canada to tanker in extra fuel for remaining flights [2]. Group 2: Customer Support and Refund Policies - Air Canada has introduced a flexible rebooking policy for customers traveling to Cuba and is now offering a refund policy for those affected by flight cancellations [5]. - Customers currently in Cuba who booked Air Canada Vacations packages can receive direct support from local representatives [6]. Group 3: Flight Schedule and Future Operations - Air Canada typically operates 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba, but seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled for the remainder of the season [7]. - Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart planned for May 1, pending review [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Air Canada Foundation has launched the Big Dreams Grant Program to support organizations that enhance the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada through sports and active recreation [1][4]. Grant Program Details - The program includes two grants of $100,000 each: the Healthy Futures Grant for sport-based programs promoting wellness and resilience among equity-deserving youth, and the Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant for initiatives enabling youth with disabilities to participate in physical activities [3]. - Applications for the grants are open until March 15, 2026, targeting Canadian charitable organizations that serve equity-deserving youth and children with disabilities [4]. Air Canada Foundation Overview - The Air Canada Foundation, established in 2012, focuses on the health and well-being of children and youth, providing financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities [5]. - Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to pediatric hospitals, and fundraising activities like the Every Bit Counts program [5].

Core Viewpoint - Air Canada will hold a conference call to present its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on February 13, 2026, at 7:30 AM ET, with executives available for analysts' questions [1]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call will feature Michael Rousseau, John Di Bert, and Mark Galardo, who will discuss the financial results and answer questions from analysts [1]. - Following the analysts' session, John Di Bert and Pierre Houle will address inquiries from term loan B lenders and Air Canada bondholders [1]. - Media and the public can access the call on a listen-only basis via a webcast or telephone [2]. Group 2: Access Information - The conference call is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 7:30 AM ET, with a dedicated webcast link provided for listeners [2]. - Participants can join by telephone using the provided numbers, and a conference ID is required for access [2]. - An online replay of the call will be available shortly after its conclusion [2].