Turbulent Skies: The Air Canada Story
The Story
When Air Canada first took flight in 1937, the sky was the limit for the country's new national airline. Originally known as Trans-Canada Airlines, the fledgling company enjoyed a virtual monopoly in the skies. But the post-Second World War economic boom ushered in a new Canadian jet set, eager to take advantage of new airlines that offered cheaper fares. In the decades since, the embattled airline would have to endure runaway inflation, a fuel crisis, a controversial merger, and a near-fatal brush with bankruptcy before its fortunes would rise again.
A view from the top at Air Canada
Air Canada Chairman and CEO Robert Milton talks to Shelagh Rogers about his company's resurrection and the many battles along…
Air Canada’s big comeback
Air Canada defies its critics in 2005 by posting record seat sales and a higher than expected profit of nearly…
Reinventing an airline
A new, restructured Air Canada emerges from the brink of financial ruin, only to face stiff competition from discount carriers.
Air Canada’s bankruptcy
After more than 60 years in the air, Air Canada files for bankruptcy protection.
Air Canada: ‘A very strange creature’
Rex Murphy takes aim at the federal government's $100-million bailout of Air Canada.
The air travel grievance guru
Commissioner Bruce Hood fields airline complaints.
Air Canada: A hostile merger?
Gerald Schwartz takes one more step toward his takeover attempt.
Married women need not apply
Being single is an important requirement for the job of stewardess.
More layoffs at Air Canada in 1991
Airline resorts to job cuts in order to avoid bankruptcy.
Pilots recount fatal Air Canada flight
Pilots land a blazing plane in what is one of three 1983 Air Canada disasters.
Is Canadian Airways crowding the skies?
There's a new airline in TCA's space.
Air Canada declared ‘incompetent’ in 1975
Otto Lang discusses report investigating airline's business practices.
1970: 109 dead in Brampton plane crash
The crash of Air Canada Flight 621 in Brampton is examined days after it happened in July 1970.
Trans-Canada Airlines jetliner crashes near Montreal in 1963
Reporter at Canada's worst plane crash describes scene.
1963: Trans-Canada Air Lines crash kills 118
Just four minutes after liftoff, flight 831 crashes outside Montreal.
More planes, lower fares for Trans-Canada Airlines
The 1960s are a golden age for the expanding Trans-Canada Airlines.
Trans-Canada Airlines goes non-stop
No more stops on the Toronto-Vancouver route.
Interview with TCA pilot
Early Trans-Canada Airlines pilot discusses flying as a career for young men.
Across Canada with Trans-Canada Airlines
Passengers on the first Trans-Canada Airlines flight from Vancouver to Ottawa describe their experience.
A 15-hour air mail flight across Canada
A CBC reporter flies from Victoria to Montreal on Canada's first air mail flight.