Air Canada (AC, Montréal Trudeau) has announced that it will cancel its commercial agreement with Aimia, which operates the airline's frequent flyer program Aeroplan, effective June 30, 2020. The Canadian carrier will develop its own in-house loyalty program, which it will transition to over the next three years.
President of Passenger Airlines, Benjamin Smith, said the new program would align Air Canada to their competitors in terms of offerings. "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," he said.
More details about the plan and the transition period will be forthcoming at the Investor Day on September 19.
CBC reports that Aimia's shares dropped 63 percent after the announcement. Air Canada completely sold off its remaining ownership in Aeroplan in 2008.
