We’ll Be The Champions

Air Canada has made it clear that it intends to be a “global champion” in the aviation business. That was the upbeat message delivered by CEO Calin Rovinescu to a hundred or so retail and wholesale pros in Montreal this week, reports Press Today’s Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar.

According to Rovinescu, the situation at AC just a few years ago did not paint “a pretty picture,” so the management team he leads made some bold moves.

“rouge is a big part of our future, even though some of you have had issues with it,” he said, promising, “There will be lots more transformation as we go forward.”

As proof of its drive towards global champion status, Rovinescu also cited the decision to buy high-capacity Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.

The evening event marked Duncan Bureau’s public debut as VP global sales for Air Canada. The ex-WestJet and Malaysia Airlines exec told the invitees that the relationship with the travel trade is important to his new employer.

And in an aside indicating that AC will not be altering its commission policy anytime soon, Bureau added, “At the end of the day it has to be a win-win relationship for both of us.”

Seen in the photo, from l to r, are Air Canada’s Duncan Bureau, Calin Rovinescu and Robert Trudeau.