Air Canada to Launch its Own Loyalty Program in 2020

Air Canada has confirmed that it will launch its own loyalty program when the commercial agreement with Aimia, the operator of Aeroplan, expires in 2020.

By operating its own loyalty program, Air Canada expects to be better able to strengthen its customer relationships and deliver a more consistent end-to-end customer experience.

"The new program, launching in 2020, will offer additional earning and redemption opportunities, more personalized service and a better digital experience for Air Canada customers," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines. "Similar to all of Air Canada's North American peers, by managing our own loyalty program, we will be able to take better care of our customers by making decisions in real time that address specific needs. We're excited to take this next step that delivers on our promise for continued investments in the customer experience."

Air Canada's exclusive contract with Aimia remains in effect until its 29 June 2020 expiration date. Until then, Air Canada is committed to business as usual by working closely with Aimia with the objective of providing consistent service for Aeroplan members.

During this period, Aeroplan members can continue to earn and redeem miles in accordance with the Aeroplan program:

- Before the new Air Canada program launches in June 2020, members will be able to earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles for Aeroplan Rewards, including flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners in accordance with the Aeroplan program.

- After June 2020, miles earned from Air Canada and Star Alliance flights will be credited to the new program, with customers able to redeem those miles for rewards including Air Canada and Star Alliance partner flights.

- Aeroplan miles earned up to June 2020 will stay in Aeroplan members' accounts, and will continue to be subject to the conditions of their program.

- Air Canada intends to continue to offer Aimia redemption seats for Aeroplan members after June 2020, with pricing competitive with other third-party rewards programs.

- The airline's most frequent flyers will continue to enjoy Air Canada Altitude status recognition and its associated range of travel privileges, based on their annual flight activities with Air Canada and the Star Alliance member airlines. All Million Mile program qualification activity and status will also be honoured in the new program.

- Air Canada intends to implement near-term improvements to Air Canada Altitude and other elements of the customer experience.

"Doing the right thing for Air Canada's customers throughout this transition period will be our guiding principle," said Mr. Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Air Canada expects the net present value of the program repatriation over a 15-year period to exceed $2 billion.

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