US EditionAir Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to retire
Michael Rousseau will retire by Q3 2026 after backlash over an English-only condolence video following a deadly March crash, amid a CEO search emphasizing French communication skills.
- On Monday, Air Canada's board announced that CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, closing out nearly two decades leading the country's largest airline.
- Rousseau's departure follows weeks of controversy tied to a four-minute condolence video released after a deadly Air Canada Jazz crash at LaGuardia Airport, delivered almost entirely in English.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the message showed a "lack of judgment and lack of compassion," while Quebec Premier François Legault called for the executive's resignation, arguing his inability to speak French disrespected customers.
- Board chair Vagn Sørensen praised Rousseau's tenure through the 2007-08 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic as Air Canada launched a global external search for a successor beginning in January 2026.
- Succession planning has been a priority for more than two years, with internal development programs already underway, and Rousseau agreed to remain available to support the company during the transition period after his departure.
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113 Articles
Quebec provincial parliament calls for director's resignation
Air Canada CEO stepping down after backlash over his failure to speak French
Air Canada’s CEO is stepping down after a video he shared drew fierce criticism for being available only in English. The airline shared a statement Monday saying Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter in 2026. Air Canada said Rousseau is “departing after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership that has reinforced Air Canada’s place as a leader in the airline industry domestically and globally.” French controv…
Air Canada's Executive Director, Michael Rousseau, will retire by the end of September, announced this Monday, March 30th, the airline's board of directors after a controversy over the airline's...
After Disastrous Condolences, Air Canada CEO Is Retiring
Air Canada's boss is heading for the exits after a language firestorm he couldn't put out—and presumably he'll use the newfound free time to take some French lessons. The airline said Monday that CEO Michael Rousseau will retire this fall, wrapping up nearly 20 years at the company just...
Air Canada CEO to retire after English-only condolence furor
Air Canada has announced that CEO Michael Rousseau will retire later this year. This follows public criticism of his failure to voice condolences in French as well as English after two pilots were killed in a collision.
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