MONTREAL, Jan. 26, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada's flight AC2201 today from Vancouver to Beijing marks the first of three special charter flights transporting Team Canada to the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The airline also named its Team Air Canada athlete ambassadors and outlined its comprehensive program in support of Team Canada's journey to excellence at the 2022 Winter Games.
"At Air Canada, we are proud to literally 'Fly the Flag' as we transport Team Canada to the 2022 Winter Games and honour their journey to the podium. We're also delighted to endorse Olympians as Team Air Canada athlete ambassadors. Their resilience and relentless drive to be the very best in their sport, while embodying Canada's collective values of diversity, inclusivity, openness, and kindness inspire all of us. We look forward to sharing our athletes' individual journeys and cheering on all members of Team Canada in their pursuit of excellence," said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada.
"The pandemic has resulted in many unique logistical challenges in the lead up to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and planning flights for approximately 230 Team Canada athletes has been one of them," said Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Brand and Commercial Officer Jacquie Ryan. "However, our amazing partner at Air Canada has provided incredible support behind the scenes to ensure a safe path for athletes including air charter services to and from Beijing. We have never been more proud to Fly The Flag on the official airline of Team Canada."
"Flying to the host city is an important step of the journey for all athletes, coaches, and support staff as they prepare to represent Canada and be at their best for the Paralympic Games. A big thank you to Air Canada for all of their support in ensuring Team Canada is able to get to the Games safely and comfortably," said Karen O'Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee.
Air Canada's charter flights operate with a 787 Dreamliner in a special livery. Flights from Vancouver to Beijing take place today, Jan. 29, and Feb. 25, and return to Canada from Beijing to Vancouver and Toronto on Feb. 21 and to Vancouver on Mar. 14.
Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors
- Cassie Sharpe – Freestyle Skiing – Halfpipe
- Cynthia Appiah – Bobsleigh
- Gilmore Junio – Speed Skating – Long Track
- Marie-Philip Poulin – Ice Hockey
- Mikaël Kingsbury – Freestyle Skiing – Moguls
- Paralympians to be announced prior to Paralympic Games
In addition to the employees and crews dedicated to transporting Team Canada safely to and from the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Air Canada is:
- Recognizing Team Canada's drive and determination through the airline's "Rise Higher" brand spot online via Air Canada's social media channels and in broadcast throughout the Games,
- Presenting all Team Canada athletes with unique, personal care kits including Canadian-made travel essentials to help make their flight even more comfortable, together with a complimentary Wi-Fi streaming pass, courtesy of our partner Intelsat,
- Providing all Team Canada athletes with Aeroplan points, complimentary 35K status which includes complimentary checked bags through the Aeroplan Elite Podium Program to help make their journey to the podium more travel friendly,
- Encouraging fans to virtually connect with Team Canada in unique and innovative ways to enable them to experience the 2022 Winter Games as if they were there. Learn more about these exciting opportunities here.
Air Canada has been a proud sponsor of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and of the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler's Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX's Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. For more information, please visit: aircanada.com/media, follow Air Canada on Twitter and LinkedIn, and join Air Canada on Facebook.
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