American Airlines marks 85 years in Canada with expanded service

American Airlines is celebrating 85 years of flying to Canada, marking a milestone in the carrier's long-standing presence north of the border while highlighting network growth and continued investment in the market.

The airline's first Canadian flight took place on June 24, 1941, when a DC-3 operated a route between Buffalo, New York, and Toronto Pearson airport.

Today, Canada represents one of American's key international markets, with more than 200 employees based across six destinations: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Quebec City, Calgary and Halifax.

“Canada has long been a vital part of our international network, and we’re incredibly proud to have grown alongside the communities we serve here,” said José Freig, vice president of international and inflight dining operations for American Airlines, in a press release.

“From our earliest routes to today’s exciting milestones — including new routes connecting New York (JFK) with Calgary and Quebec City — we remain focused on delivering a reliable and enjoyable travel experience. Our success in Canada is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers and to the passion and dedication of our Canadian team, who bring our commitment to life every day.”

Toronto Pearson also marked the anniversary, noting the airline's historic role at Canada's busiest airport.

"American Airlines made history at Toronto Pearson by operating the airport's first international commercial flight in 1941, a milestone that marked the beginning of 85 years of connecting Canada and the United States," said Carl Jones, head of aviation business development, Toronto Pearson, in a statement.

"That legacy continues today, and we're proud to celebrate this anniversary with the American Airlines team. We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership for many years to come."

Bigger summer schedule

American is expanding its Canadian operation this summer, with up to 61 daily departures from Canada to the U.S. during the peak travel season — a capacity increase of more than 27 per cent compared to last year.

The schedule includes up to 28 daily departures from Toronto, 11 from Montreal, seven from Vancouver, and six each from Calgary, Halifax and Quebec City.

From Toronto, the airline will operate up to 186 weekly flights to eight U.S. destinations this summer: Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Miami, Chicago and Philadelphia.

The Toronto schedule represents a five per cent increase in flights and a 10 per cent increase in seat capacity compared to the same period in 2025.

The carrier is also launching two seasonal routes from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport later this summer.

Beginning Aug. 6 and running through Oct. 4, American will operate three weekly flights between JFK and Calgary on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays using Boeing 737 aircraft. The new service complements the airline's existing Saturday flights between Calgary and New York-LaGuardia.

Meanwhile, from Aug. 5 through Oct. 12, the airline will introduce daily nonstop service between JFK and Quebec City aboard Embraer 175 aircraft.

Supporting local communities

To commemorate the anniversary, more than 30 American Airlines employees volunteered with Food Banks Mississauga, helping sort food and support warehouse operations.

According to the airline, the effort resulted in enough food being sorted to help provide more than 12,000 meals for individuals and families in need.

Food Banks Mississauga works with more than 50 local agencies to help provide millions of meals annually to vulnerable families, children and seniors across the Toronto area.

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