Regional airline in Canada
Air Canada Express is a brand name of regional feeder flights for Air Canada that are subcontracted to other airlines. Presently, Jazz Aviation is the sole operator of Air Canada Express. They primarily connect smaller cities with Air Canada's domestic hub airports and focus cities, although they offer some point-to-point and international service to the United States.
History
On April 26, 2011, it was reported that Air Canada decided to retire the Air Canada Jazz brand and created the Air Canada Express brand.[1] Prior to establishing the Express name, the flights operated primarily under the Air Canada Jazz or Air Canada Alliance banners.
As of January 2020, Air Georgian no longer provides services under the capacity purchase agreement. Those services were transferred back to Jazz Aviation. On March 1, 2021, it was also announced that Sky Regional would also no longer provide services under the capacity purchase agreement and therefore Jazz Aviation would become the sole operator of the express brand.[2]
However, on May 30, 2023, it was announced that Air Canada has signed a letter of intent with PAL Airlines for a five-year capacity purchase agreement. If finalized, this deal will involve the purchase of up to six De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 planes from Air Canada, which PAL Airlines will operate under the Air Canada Express brand in addition to their existing schedule and charter business.[3][4] In the announcement, Air Canada described the prospective agreement with PAL Airlines as a "bridging arrangement" due to a need for additional regional capacity as a result of industry-wide pilot shortages.[4]
Operators and fleet
Air Canada Jazz CRJ200ER in a former livery.
Current fleet
As of March 2023, the fleet consists of the following aircraft:[5][6]
Historical fleet
The Air Canada Express brand, through its various regional and commuter airline partners, operated a variety of turbofan and twin turboprop aircraft over the years including the following types:
