Air Canada has appointed Anko van der Werff, the chief executive of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), as its next CEO, the carrier announced Wednesday. Van der Werff will succeed current CEO Michael Rousseau, who is retiring after leading Canada's largest airline since 2021.
Leadership Transition at Air Canada
Van der Werff, 54, has served as CEO of SAS since 2021, where he oversaw the airline's restructuring and emergence from bankruptcy protection in 2024. He previously held senior roles at Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa Group. The appointment comes as Air Canada faces growing competition from low-cost carriers and rising operational costs.
"Anko's extensive experience in the global aviation industry, particularly his track record of navigating complex restructurings and driving operational excellence, makes him the ideal leader to guide Air Canada into its next chapter," said Vagn Sørensen, chairman of Air Canada's board of directors.
Van der Werff's Aviation Background
Before joining SAS, van der Werff worked at Lufthansa Group for more than a decade, including roles as chief financial officer of Swiss International Air Lines and head of group finance. He also served as CEO of Lufthansa's Austrian Airlines subsidiary. A Dutch national, van der Werff holds a master's degree in economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
"I am honored to join Air Canada, an airline with a proud history and a bright future," van der Werff said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the talented team at Air Canada to build on the company's strengths and deliver exceptional service to our customers."
Outgoing CEO's Tenure
Michael Rousseau, 62, led Air Canada through the post-pandemic recovery, returning the airline to profitability and expanding its international route network. Under his leadership, Air Canada added more than 30 new destinations and launched a major fleet renewal program. Rousseau will remain with the company as a strategic advisor until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
"Michael has been an outstanding leader for Air Canada, and we thank him for his dedication and contributions," Sørensen said. "He leaves the company in a strong position for future growth."
Industry Context and Challenges
Air Canada reported a net income of CAD 1.2 billion in 2025, down from CAD 1.8 billion in 2024, as fuel costs and labor expenses rose. The airline faces ongoing challenges including pilot shortages, airport congestion, and the transition to more sustainable aviation fuels. Van der Werff's experience with SAS's successful restructuring may prove valuable as Air Canada seeks to improve operational efficiency.
"Anko van der Werff brings a proven ability to drive change and improve financial performance," said aviation analyst John Gradek of McGill University. "His appointment signals Air Canada's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry."
