Air Canada report outlines key achievements in 2023

Air Canada issued its 2023 Annual Report on Tuesday (March 26), highlighting its achievements for the year.

"Air Canada delivered very strong results in 2023. We met key financial objectives and advanced or exceeded most of our strategic and operational goals for the year, demonstrating our ability to perform consistently," said Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, in a statement.

"We continued to renew our fleet with more fuel-efficient and comfortable aircraft, and we expanded our network and products to offer more choice and convenience to our customers. We also advanced our Environmental, Social and Governance programs through our sustainability, equity and accessibility activities and supported the communities we serve, including by providing thousands of employment opportunities.

Rousseau, thanking customers and staff, said Air Canada has a solid foundation to build upon and “a clear vision for the future as a leader in the global aviation industry, connecting Canada to the world, and as a trusted partner for all our stakeholders.”

Among its key accomplishments, in 2023 Air Canada says it:

Safely carried 46 million passengers and earned full year operating income of $2.3 billion on record operating revenue of $21.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled, reaching nearly $4 billion, and the airline generated cash from operating activities of approximately $4.3 billion and free cash flow of nearly $2.8 billion.

Reduced its leverage ratio to 1.1 times adjusted EBITDA from 5.1 times adjusted EBITDA at December 31, 2022, and ended the year with total liquidity of $10.3 billion.

Launched 14 new routes to serve 188 direct destinations. In support of its ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion it sourced 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and five Boeing 737 MAX-8 fuel-efficient aircraft for future delivery.

Hired 8,000 people during the year, bringing the total employee count to approximately 39,000 and, through $1.6 billion in capital expenditures during the year, including within Canada, invested in such things as new aircraft, technology and customer service improvements.

Furthered its business diversification, with Aeroplan reaching eight million members, Air Canada Cargo deploying its seven cargo freighters to more than 12 destinations, and Air Canada Vacations materially increasing its revenues.

Completed 41 initiatives under its Elevating the Customer Experience service plan and improved key operating metrics, such as on-time performance and baggage handling. In addition, it accelerated its three-year accessibility plan to better accommodate customers with disabilities.

Worked toward our climate action plan through various initiatives, including with the addition of modern and efficient aircraft and ground support equipment (e-GSE vehicles) to the fleet, sourcing additional SAF and continuing to engage with our corporate customers through our Leave Less Travel Program.

Implemented four structural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) pillars: DEI Executive Council, DEI Steering Committee, DEI Champions Program, and the formalization of employee resource groups (ERGs).

Supported, with the Air Canada Foundation, 360 Canadian charitable organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of children. The Foundation raised more than $1.7 million, and the Dreams Take Flight program resumed flying, allowing more than 1,000 children to create treasured experiences.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.