Air Canada unveils its new commercial as it begins the countdown to takeoff for Milan Cortina 2026

Ahead of the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Air Canada released a new commercial starring Tyler McGregor, captain of the Canadian Paralympic ice hockey team and ambassador for Team Air Canada, in his preparation for the Games.

The spot, titled Tyler's Walk, tells McGregor's story of resilience (website in English) after a life-changing event, highlighting the obstacles athletes must overcome in pursuit of their dreams, as well as his unwavering commitment to sporting excellence.

“Hockey has always been a part of my life, and this is a reminder of the immense strength and determination it took to get here,” McGregor said. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share my story and highlight the passion and hard work that goes into wearing the maple leaf, not just during the Games, but every single day.”

“We are deeply proud of Tyler’s Walk, which serves as a powerful reminder that the path to greatness is often marked by incredible obstacles, but also by extraordinary triumphs,” said Martine Boulerice, Director of Marketing, Brand, Sponsorships, Events and Quebec at Air Canada. “This campaign represents much more than Tyler’s story; it seeks to inspire everyone to believe in what is possible, no matter the challenges they face.”

Supporting Canadian Athletes: From Preparation to Competition

Every journey to the Olympic Games is fueled by the dedication of thousands of Air Canada employees, both on the front lines and behind the scenes, who come together to support Team Canada. Through the employee-driven Going for Gold program, Air Canada staff accompany more than 750 athletes, coaches, and delegation members on their round trip to Italy, so they can focus on competing when it matters most.

This commitment is a tremendous source of pride for everyone at Air Canada. In each edition, employees from across the airline's network work together to coordinate athletes' transfers between multiple airports, as well as providing support in the specialized handling of sports equipment and mobility devices.

This effort involves more than 10,000 employees at over 23 airports, working in a coordinated manner to ensure smooth and seamless travel for Team Canada. Air Canada has been the Official Airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007.

Bringing fans closer to the excitement of Team Canada's journey

In just 10 days, the athletes and members of the Team Canada delegation will begin their journey to Milano Cortina to represent their country at the pinnacle of international sport. Upon their arrival at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), they will be greeted by Air Canada staff during a send-off event featuring live entertainment, interactive experiences, and moments of national pride, prior to the delegation's departure for Italy.

From that moment on, airports across the country will be activated to give a warm welcome to all athletes and delegation members beginning their journey to Italy, providing them with an amenity kit designed to enhance their comfort during the trip.

“Every journey to the Games carries the pride of an entire nation, and for us, that responsibility goes beyond simply getting Team Canada to the starting line,” said Boulerice. “As the official airline, we are honored to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes on their journey to Milano Cortina 2026 and proud to take fans along with them through stories, behind-the-scenes content, and experiences that put Canadians at the heart of the action.”

To further strengthen the connection with fans in the lead-up to the Olympics, Air Canada Team Athlete Ambassadors will play a leading role in a nationwide program of fan content and activations. A series of digital campaigns, including travel guides, behind-the-scenes content, and personal stories, will highlight the ambassadors' favorite routes, destinations, and experiences.

In addition, Air Canada will launch a nationwide contest inspired by the favorite destinations of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors, offering fans the chance to win trips that reflect the places and moments that shape their journeys.

Source: Air Canada.