- Blackstone and La Caisse are leading a CDN$2.5 billion, 25% minority equity investment in Aeroplan, valuing the program at CDN$10 billion
- Investor group also includes PSP Investments and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation
- Air Canada retains full control over Aeroplan’s strategy, operations and day-to-day management through its controlling interest
- Aeroplan Members, partners and employees will experience no changes as a result of the transaction
- The transaction supports investment in Air Canada’s strategic plan and long-term growth and underscores the value of Aeroplan’s industry-leading loyalty program
- Proceeds will be used toward the repayment of upcoming US$1.2 billion bond maturity and accelerate share repurchases, including through a substantial issuer bid for up to CDN$800 million in shares
MONTRÉAL, August 11, 2026 – Air Canada today announced that funds managed by Blackstone and La Caisse, together with other leading Canadian institutions, are making a CDN$2.5 billion minority equity investment in Aeroplan Inc. The transaction terms provide that the investor group is acquiring a 25% non-controlling equity interest in Aeroplan, valuing the program at CDN$10 billion. [1]
Air Canada will maintain full operational control of Aeroplan and a controlling ownership interest after the minority investment. Aeroplan remains a core part of Air Canada’s commercial strategy and customer value proposition, and the experience of members, partners and employees will be unaffected by the transaction.
Proceeds from this investment will be used toward the repayment of Air Canada’s upcoming US$1.2 billion ($1.7 billion) bond maturity, strengthening Air Canada’s balance sheet through a reduction in gross indebtedness without a corresponding reduction in cash and cash equivalents. Most of the balance to be applied to accelerate the share repurchases contemplated in its long-term strategic plan.
The investor group led by Blackstone and La Caisse also includes PSP Investments and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI).
“This investment highlights Aeroplan as a differentiated loyalty platform and showcases the exceptional value created since its acquisition. The transaction strengthens Air Canada’s financial position by unlocking value from Aeroplan while retaining full operational control. It provides additional financial flexibility, and supports our pursuit of an investment grade rating, as we execute our long-term strategic plan, for the benefit of our customers, employees and investors,” said John Di Bert, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada.
“Air Canada has established Aeroplan as one of Canada’s leading loyalty programs, with strategic partnerships across travel, financial, and commercial sectors. We are pleased to welcome Blackstone, La Caisse and other leading Canadian institutions as minority investors in Aeroplan as we continue to strengthen and expand Aeroplan’s global appeal. Under the new partnership, Air Canada retains full control of the program, meaning partners, members, and employees can all expect full continuity of the program as they do today. Air Canada is committed to remaining the majority owner of Aeroplan, ensuring continued control of the program while positioning it for future growth and value creation,” said Craig Landry, Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan.
“We are proud to support Air Canada and the leading loyalty platform they’ve built in Aeroplan,” said Mark Rutledge, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone. “Blackstone is a long-term believer in Canada as both a compelling place to invest and serve clients. This transaction adds to our decades-long commitment to the country and is another example of our ability to provide flexible, efficient capital solutions to leading businesses around the world.”
“This investment in Aeroplan, one of the country’s leading loyalty programs built by Air Canada, reflects La Caisse’s ability to structure tailored capital solutions backed by a strategic asset, alongside a strong group of co-investors,” said Martin Longchamps, Executive Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit at La Caisse. “It is also an attractive diversification opportunity for our global portfolio, which ultimately benefits our depositors.”
Transaction Details
The investor group is making a CDN$2.5 billion minority equity investment in Aeroplan Inc., acquiring a 25% equity interest in it. Air Canada will retain a 75% ownership interest and continue to control Aeroplan and its operations, strategic direction and day-to-day management. Proceeds from the transaction will primarily allow Air Canada to repay its upcoming US$1.2 billion debt maturity with most of the balance applied to accelerate the share repurchases contemplated in its long-term strategic plan. Settlement of the investment is planned to occur on August 17, 2026.
Financial Reporting, Governance and Ongoing Control
This investment includes customary minority investor rights. Air Canada will retain control of Aeroplan’s strategy, operations, and day-to-day management. Air Canada will continue to consolidate Aeroplan in its consolidated financial statements and this investment will be reflected as a non-controlling interest within shareholders’ equity.
