Air Canada has forged an alliance with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), marking a significant moment in the league’s history as it prepares for its inaugural season debut on January 1, 2024. In this agreement, Air Canada will serve as the PWHL’s Inaugural Premier Partner and Official Airline for the league’s initial six teams. This partnership showcases Air Canada’s profound love for hockey and its commitment to showcasing the finest aspects of Canada to the global audience.
Andy Shibata, Vice President of Brand at Air Canada , expressed great excitement and significance in joining forces with the PWHL and being involved in this monumental occasion in the world of hockey. This partnership symbolizes Air Canada’s deep-rooted support for Canadian sports, as the nation’s recognized carrier. Moreover, it showcases their commitment to fostering gender equality within the aviation sector, aligning perfectly with their customers’ shared passion for hockey.
To mark this significant collaboration, the airline is commemorating it through an exciting advertising campaign called We All Fly. The campaign showcases a group of aspiring PWHL players together with the renowned Canadian hockey icon, Mélodie Daoust. It will debut before every PWHL home game.
Air Canada has been given the intellectual property (IP) rights for all six PWHL teams located in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, as well as for the PWHL organization itself. Additionally, Air Canada has acquired the rights to the broadcast, in-venue, and in-market assets of the league. Furthermore, Air Canada has obtained the exclusive rights to brand the official jerseys of Montreal’s PWHL team. In support of the league and its players, Air Canada will also provide travel assistance. The company will actively promote and celebrate the PWHL and its future stars through its various marketing and communications channels.
Air Canada’s involvement in the PWHL deal strengthens their existing partnerships in women’s hockey and other women’s sports, such as the WNBA and the upcoming Project 8 women’s soccer league in Canada. Additionally, Air Canada is demonstrating their dedication to supporting the future of women’s hockey by hosting a local girls’ junior hockey team at each PWHL home opener in Canada, including dates like January 1 in Toronto, January 2 in Ottawa, and January 13 in Montreal.
Air Canada’s dedication to sports and showcasing the best of Canada globally is exemplified by its status as the official airline for all seven NHL teams in Canada, including the Toronto Raptors and Team Canada.