Air Canada expects more than 1 million people to board its planes in the coming week, as the summer schedule starts and Canada Day falls midweek. The airline flies to over 50 destinations within Canada.
It is billing the season as a showcase for the country, “coast-to-coast-to-coast and beyond.” The company says passengers should notice small touches along the way that reflect national pride among its staff, since Air Canada is the flag carrier.
Tom Stevens, the airline’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Service Operations, tied the summer travel to the way Canadians holiday. “For many Canadians, summer vacation is when they explore, discover, and share experiences with each other, whether it’s across Canada or at historically relevant sites abroad, like Juno Beach in France, and we’re proud of the role we play in the travel lives of Canadians,” he said.
He added that crews are set for the rush. “We’re ready for the busy summer season and our teams are focused on guiding our customers with a very real sense of Canadian pride as we share the very best of the country with the world.”
The app does the heavy lifting
Much of the practical side runs through the Air Canada mobile app. Customers can check in, pull up boarding passes and get live flight updates there. It also tracks baggage, and mobility aids where that service is offered, and lets people manage their Aeroplan accounts.
Carlos Faxas, the airline’s Vice President of Digital Products, said the aim is to take friction out of the trip. “Summer is when Canadians reconnect with family, explore new places, and create lasting memories, and our goal is to make every step of that journey feel easier and more connected,” he said.
Technology also works out of sight, according to Faxas. Tools used by airport and in-flight teams are meant to free them up for the passengers themselves. “Behind the scenes, technology is also supporting our airport and in-flight teams, allowing them to focus on what matters most: delivering a smooth, caring and distinctly Canadian travel experience,” he said.
Air Canada did not say how many flights make up the week’s schedule or give a breakdown of the 1 million figure.
