Fly The Flag

The departure of Air Canada’s flight AC2201 from Vancouver to Beijing yesterday marked the first of three special charter flights transporting Team Canada to the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The airline also named its Team Air Canada athlete ambassadors and outlined its comprehensive program in support of Team Canada’s journey to excellence at the 2022 Winter Games.

Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada, said: “At Air Canada, we are proud to literally ‘Fly the Flag’ as we transport Team Canada to the 2022 Winter Games and honour their journey to the podium. We’re also delighted to endorse Olympians as Team Air Canada athlete ambassadors. Their resilience and relentless drive to be the very best in their sport, while embodying Canada’s collective values of diversity, inclusivity, openness, and kindness inspire all of us. We look forward to sharing our athletes’ individual journeys and cheering on all members of Team Canada in their pursuit of excellence.”

Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, Jacquie Ryan said: “The pandemic has resulted in many unique logistical challenges in the lead up to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and planning flights for approximately 230 Team Canada athletes has been one of them. However, our amazing partner at Air Canada has provided incredible support behind the scenes to ensure a safe path for athletes including air charter services to and from Beijing. We have never been more proud to Fly The Flag on the official airline of Team Canada.”

Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee, said that: “Flying to the host city is an important step of the journey for all athletes, coaches, and support staff as they prepare to represent Canada and be at their best for the Paralympic Games. A big thank you to Air Canada for all of their support in ensuring Team Canada is able to get to the Games safely and comfortably.”

Air Canada’s charter flights operate with a 787 Dreamliner in a special livery. Flights from Vancouver to Beijing take place today (Jan. 26), Jan. 29, and Feb. 25, and return to Canada from Beijing to Vancouver and Toronto on Feb. 21 and to Vancouver on Mar. 14.

Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors include:

• Cassie Sharpe – Freestyle Skiing – Halfpipe
• Cynthia Appiah – Bobsleigh
• Gilmore Junio – Speed Skating – Long Track
• Marie-Philip Poulin – Ice Hockey
• Mikaël Kingsbury – Freestyle Skiing – Moguls
• Paralympians to be announced prior to Paralympic Games

Go to www.aircanada.com for more.