Mr. Mark Nasr of Air Canada reports

BELL AND AIR CANADA JOIN FORCES, UNLOCKING SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FOR CUSTOMERS IN-FLIGHT AND BEYOND

Air Canada and BCE Inc.'s Bell have entered a multiyear partnership that will make it even easier to stay connected -- both on the ground and in the skies. The partnership delivers on Air Canada and Bell's long-standing commitments to elevating the customer experience, while focusing on added benefits for newcomers and visitors to Canada, preparing them to connect to Canada's best network as soon as they land.

Starting May 15, Air Canada and Bell will offer free messaging for all Aeroplan members worldwide on all Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft across Air Canada's fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. This offering will enable customers to send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using popular messaging apps, including: Apple's iMessage, Meta's WhatsApp and Messenger, Rakuten's Viber, and Messages by Google. Also, this benefit will be available to strategic partner airline loyalty members, including customers of United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Group Miles & More, and Emirates Skywards, when their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada booking.

Additionally, with this new partnership, newcomers and visitors to Canada will gain easy and immediate ways to stay connected as they arrive in Canada. With complementary mobile SIM cards on select inbound international flights, newcomers and visitors can activate in flight, allowing them to walk off the plane and be connected.

In keeping with Air Canada's and Bell's commitments to customers, this partnership will enable additional areas of collaboration and customer benefit, including the development and offering of Aeroplan promotional rewards, as well as building upon Air Canada's award-winning in-flight entertainment offering with the expansion of live television service on flights to the United States, expected later this summer.

"Canadians are at the centre of this exciting new partnership. We're so proud to join with an iconic brand to deliver real value to customers across the country and, importantly, to those new to our country. This multifaceted partnership with Bell will allow Air Canada customers to keep in touch with friends, family or colleagues wherever they travel. What's more, we're elated that Bell will be joining as the latest Aeroplan partner, creating another way for members to travel more, and travel better," said Mark Nasr, executive vice-president of marketing and digital, president of Aeroplan, Air Canada.

"We're excited to partner with Air Canada, and innovate on delivering enhanced experiences for our customers. For those new to Canada or visiting, we recognize how important it is to stay connected with family and friends, and the new opportunities being connected can bring. Many are already familiar with Bell and know we offer the best network, and we're thrilled to be making it even easier for them to connect when they arrive in Canada," said Claire Gillies, executive vice-president of marketing, president of consumer, Bell.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most-comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally on six continents. It holds a four-star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents, using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada has committed to a net-zero-emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, television, Internet, media and business-communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE.