Roll up, roll up; Air Canada has announced it has renewed its partnership with the popular entertainment circus company Cirque du Soleil.
The already two-year-long partnership will extend to December 2024, making almost five years of collaboration between the companies.
An unconventional collaboration
The unusual partnership between the two companies has gone from strength to strength. Since January 2020, Air Canada has been the official airline flying Cirque du Soleil’s employees and artists to shows worldwide. The renewed partnership will continue to provide its services to circus’ troupes for major tour dates next year, which include Los Angeles, Denver, Vancouver, London and Toronto.
It is hoped that the renewed partnership will celebrate Canadian creativity and talent with people across the world.
Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, said:
“Air Canada and Cirque du Soleil are two iconic Quebec organizations that each deliver best-in-class experiences to customers globally in travel and entertainment, respectively. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Cirque du Soleil as we share the same values and importance of celebrating Canadian innovation and creativity with people at home and worldwide.”
Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, added:
“We are thrilled to team up with a world-renowned brand such as Air Canada as our official airline for our touring shows. With our shared values and Canadian roots, we will continue to entertain the world to make it better for all through the power of creativity and meaningful experiences.”
About Cirque Du Soleil
The circus company was formed in the 1980s and was known as Les Échassiers de Baie-Saint-Paul (The Stiltwalkers of Baie-Saint-Paul). The company first performed at the St. Laurent River near Quebec City. The performers had jugglers, dancers, fire breathers, and musicians who pleased local fans with their acts.
After years of performing in local towns, Guy Laliberté, a member of Les Échassiers, decided to take the show on a worldwide tour of Canada. In 1984, to mark the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Canada by Jacque Cartier, the company performed dazzling circus acts with magical lighting and music. Laliberté dubbed this new mobile troupe “Cirque du Soleil” because, in his own words, “the sun symbolizes youth, energy, and strength.”
After the successful tour in Canada, Cirque du Soleil became global with sell-out tours across San Diego and Santa Monica. In the 1990s, the circus company became a permanent residence in Las Vegas and continued performing in Asia, Europe and South America.
Since the 1980s, Cirque du Soleil continues to dazzle audiences, both old and new, with groundbreaking performances.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airliner and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. The airline provides scheduled passenger service to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the USA, and 88 internationally.
The airline is committed to tackling climate change. The company launched a comprehensive climate action plan, including becoming net zero by 2050.
Since it launched the new Aeroplan loyalty program in November 2020, Air Canada has continued to expand its members’ benefits. Starting in January 2023, Aeroplan Members can redeem their points for prepaid cards on the Aeroplan eStore in denominations of $50, $100 and $200 that can be used to purchase Cirque du Soleil tickets.
What do you think about the renewed partnership between Cirque Du Soleil and Air Canada? Let us know in the comments below.
