The Board of Air Canada has announced that president and chief executive Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, with the airline kicking off a search for a successor.
Rousseau, who has spent nearly two decades with the airline and currently serves as CEO and a board member, will remain in his role until his departure and has agreed to support a smooth transition.
The board said it has been preparing for succession for more than two years, including developing internal candidates and launching an external global search in January 2026. The process is being supported by executive search firms Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry.
Candidates will be assessed on a range of criteria, including leadership capabilities and the ability to communicate in French, reflecting the airline’s Canadian identity and Montréal headquarters.
Board chair Vagn Sørensen said Rousseau had played a key role in strengthening the airline’s financial position and navigating major challenges, including the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. He also highlighted achievements such as the acquisition of Aeroplan and improvements to pension solvency and customer experience.
Rousseau said it had been “a great honour” to lead the company and work with its employees, adding that he would continue to support the business during the transition.
Air Canada also confirmed that its 2026 annual general meeting of shareholders will take place on Friday, 1 May 2026 at 8:30 a.m. PT (11:30 a.m. ET), where the board said Rousseau’s contributions would be formally recognised.