Air Canada today published its Accessibility Plan 2026–2029, outlining the airline's progress since its inaugural 2023 plan along with its future-focused three-year plan to continually reduce barriers in travel and employment for persons with disabilities.
Highlights Ongoing Work and Commitments
The plan details objectives, ongoing work and progress in improving accessibility at the airline across the focus areas of the Accessible Canada Act. Guided by research and consultations with experts, travellers and employees, the plan outlines 157 customer and employee accessibility initiatives.
CEO Statement
Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada, said: "Air Canada is committed to championing accessibility in the travel industry by designing our products, services and employment practices so more people can access the services and opportunities we offer. We have made significant progress over the past three years, which has been possible in great part through establishing constructive relationships with national disability organizations, undertaking customer and employee focus groups and creating a robust accessibility advisory committee to pair expert insight with customer and employee experience."
Rousseau added: "We further created a Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Group to ensure employees with disabilities help shape how we remove barriers and design a more accessible workplace. We recognize existing barriers are complex and substantial, but we are determined to continue the important work of strengthening and advancing safe, dignified travel and an inclusive employment experience for people with disabilities."
Director of Customer Accessibility
Kerianne Wilson, Director, Customer Accessibility at Air Canada, stated: "Building on the foundation of our inaugural 2023 plan, our 2026–2029 plan identifies near- and long-term commitments with clear, actionable commitments to identify, prevent and remove barriers over the next three years. Our priorities reflect what we heard from people with disabilities and where we can make the greatest impact."
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Perspective
Christianna Scott, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Employee Accessibility at Air Canada, commented: "By bringing lived experience into our decision-making, the Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Group is strengthening our ability to build inclusive policies, improve supports and foster greater trust and belonging. Ultimately, it’s helping us create an environment where every employee feels empowered to contribute fully and thrive."
Advisory Committee Chair
Meghan Hines, Chair of Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, said: "Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and washrooms. It’s about ensuring every person can participate fully in their community with true independence and freedom. When we design for everyone, we build places where people don’t just get access, they get to belong."
