Air Canada: A History of Flight and Transformation Air Canada's origins trace back to Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), established in 1937 as a Canadian National Railway subsidiary. Initially connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, TCA expanded rapidly, becoming Canada's national airline by 1964, officially renaming itself Air Canada in 1965. Government regulation initially ensured its dominance in the domestic market. The 1970s saw Air Canada become an independent Crown corporation, but deregulation in 1987 ushered in an era of increased competition. Privatization in 1989 followed, marking a significant shift. Financial challenges in the early 1990s led to restructuring and a return to profitability. Air Canada's acquisition of Canadian Airlines International in 2000 created the world's twelfth-largest airline, but this was followed by financial difficulties and bankruptcy protection in 2003. Restructuring, including union negotiations and a significant financial package, paved the way for recovery. The airline's subsequent journey involved fleet modernization, brand revitalization efforts featuring Celine Dion, and a new livery. The late 2000s saw further challenges due to high fuel costs and the global recession, leading to layoffs and capacity cuts. A government-backed bailout in 2009 helped Air Canada navigate the crisis. More recently, Air Canada has focused on fleet upgrades, introducing new cabin classes and forging alliances, including a joint venture with Air China. The attempted acquisition of Transat A.T. was ultimately unsuccessful due to regulatory hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted operations, leading to flight cancellations and financial losses, though government support helped ease the burden. Air Canada continues to adapt to evolving market dynamics, embracing post-pandemic recovery and navigating ongoing industry pressures.