Aeroplan isn’t up-and-coming anymore

Program of the Year — Airlines, Americas · Air Canada Aeroplan

There was a time not very long ago when Aeroplan qualified as one of our up-and-comers.

Consider that notice officially withdrawn.

Air Canada Aeroplan is the 2026 Airline Program of the Year in the Americas.

Again.

Aeroplan began life in 1984 as Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, eventually became a company separate from the airline and then, in one of loyalty’s more interesting round trips, came home when Air Canada reacquired it.

The completely rebuilt Aeroplan arrived in 2020.

Frequent flyers are not necessarily an audience that welcomes the words “completely rebuilt.”

We’ve seen things.

But members responded.

By 2023 Aeroplan was Program of the Year. It repeated in 2025 and now again in 2026.

This year it also wins Best Redemption Ability and Best Promotion.

Three Freddies.

That’s not an emerging program anymore.

That’s the program everybody else in the Americas airline category is trying to catch.

TRIVIA: Aeroplan celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. Apparently middle age suits it.

From rebuilt to repeat champion.

Congratulations, Aeroplan.