Pierre Jeanniot, former CEO of Air Canada, passes away at age 92

Pierre Jean Jeanniot, who was once president and CEO of Air Canada, has passed away.

According to an obituary that was published in the Globe and Mail, Jeanniot passed on June 22, 2025, at age 92 in Montreal, QC.

He is survived by his charming wife, Marcia; his three children, Pierre (Sharon), Michel (Danielle), and Lynn (Serge); his grandchildren, PJ, Natalie, and Caroline (Carl); his great-granddaughters, Chloé and Charlotte; as well as many close family and friends.

Born in Marseille, France, Jeanniot is remembered as a visionary leader and pioneer whose contributions shaped civil aviation in Canada and around the world.

Starting his career with Trans-Canada Airlines, he rose to become president and CEO of Air Canada from 1984 to 1990. During this time, he led the process of privatizing the state-owned airline and continued to serve as its head for the following two years.

Under his leadership, Air Canada introduced a number of innovations that were subsequently copied by the industry, from the world's first non-smoking flights to the first wide-body, twin-engine operation over the Atlantic, reads his LinkedIn page.

He later served as director general of IATA.

Throughout his career, he brought innovation to the advancement of global air transport. He is credited, among other things, with the development of the first modern black box, advancing aviation safety.

Jeanniot also served on numerous boards of directors for several aeronautics, high-tech, telecommunications, finance, and publishing companies.

Beyond his leadership roles in business, he was involved in academia and philanthropy. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), then of the UQAM Foundation, and was also its first Chancellor.

Recognized nationally and internationally, Jeanniot has been honoured numerous times, including: Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.); Officer of the French Legion of Honor; Chevalier de l'ordre national du Québec; Inducted into the Quebec Air and Space Hall of Fame; Member Emeritus of several prestigious organizations; and Honorary Doctorate of the Université du Québec, McGill University, and Concordia University

“His warm laugh, his wisdom, his great generosity, his understated elegance, and his unwavering optimism will continue to inhabit the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him,” his obituary reads.

A memorial service and funeral will be held at the Côte-des-Neiges Funeral Centre at 4525 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal H3V 1V7, on July 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m.

The family will receive relatives and friends to pay their respects, affection, and gratitude. To plant trees in his memory, click here. 

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