AVGEEK

Air Canada’s operational choices across India, fleet and Aeroplan

Air Canada COO Mark Nasr connects long-haul operations and fleet decisions with the airline’s India strategy, alliance relationships and loyalty programme.

11 Jan 20261 hr

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The conversation

Air Canada COO Mark Nasr discusses the operational side of the airline’s India strategy and ultra-long-haul network. Having previously led Aeroplan, he considers how loyalty priorities meet the practical demands of running flights and serving passengers.

The conversation covers fleet choices, including the A321XLR and 787 on the Palma route, Star Alliance and partner redemptions, operational resilience after the 2025 flight attendant strike, and the distinction between Air Canada and Rouge.

Key Takeaways

Nasr discusses the shift from leading Aeroplan to overseeing Air Canada’s operations and the connection between loyalty and airline execution.
He explains why India matters to Air Canada’s network plans and the operational demands of ultra-long-haul flying.
The conversation covers the A321XLR and 787 decision on the Palma route, alliance relationships and Aeroplan redemptions on partners.
Nasr reflects on operational resilience after the 2025 flight attendant strike and the separation of Air Canada and Rouge.

Guests

Mark Nasr

Mark Nasr joined The Indian AvGeek as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Air Canada. His conversation connects his experience with Aeroplan to the demands of airline operations. The discussion includes India, long-haul flying and the relationship between loyalty and operational priorities. It examines how a carrier delivers the product it has promised its customers.