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Air Canada Aeroplan Partner ITA Airways to Boost Tourism with New Redemption Options

5 February 2026 at 20:48
Air Canada Aeroplan Partner ITA Airways to Boost Tourism with New Redemption Options

Air Canada Aeroplan frequent-flyer programme has made an exciting move, adding ITA Airways, the Italian carrier that succeeded Alitalia, as a redemption partner. Starting now, Aeroplan members can use their hard-earned miles to book flights on ITA Airways. This opens a world of new possibilities for travelers looking to explore Rome, Milan, and other iconic Italian destinations.

This new partnership signals a major shift in the way Canadians and tourists can access Italy, giving a significant boost to tourism between Canada and Italy. The expanded partnership allows travelers to connect to Italy’s rich culture, history, and beauty more easily than ever before. As travel resumes globally, this announcement underscores a vital step toward making travel more accessible for millions of tourists.

ITA Airways: A New Era for Italy’s National Carrier

ITA Airways is Italy’s national airline, formed as the successor to the once-iconic Alitalia. ITA has been gradually restructuring its network, focusing on enhancing its fleet, expanding its routes, and improving its services to remain competitive in the global aviation market. In 2025, ITA Airways was acquired by the Lufthansa Group, which led to the airline leaving the SkyTeam alliance to prepare for integration into the Star Alliance by 2026.

The alignment with the Star Alliance opens exciting prospects for passengers, especially for those utilizing Air Canada’s Aeroplan program. This means more global routes, easier connections, and the opportunity to earn and redeem points across multiple airlines, including the likes of United, Lufthansa, and now, ITA Airways.

The Impact of the Air Canada and ITA Airways Codeshare

With the new codeshare partnership between Air Canada and ITA Airways, travel between Rome, Milan, and Canada will become even more convenient. This collaboration will help streamline connections between North America and Italy.

  • Air Canada will place its “AC” code on selected ITA Airways flights from Rome to destinations across Italy, North Africa, Israel, and Albania.
  • ITA Airways, in turn, will offer its “AZ” code on select Air Canada flights between Canada and the United States.

This expanded network ensures that travelers from Canada, especially those flying from cities like Toronto and Vancouver, have seamless access to Italy. And for Europe-bound Canadians, this partnership helps reduce the stress of booking long-haul flights, fostering smoother transitions from one destination to another.

What It Means for Aeroplan Members and Tourism

For Aeroplan members, the new partnership with ITA Airways creates new opportunities to redeem miles for flights to Italy. This is more than just a win for travelers; it’s an emotional opportunity for those looking to explore Italy’s romantic cities, world-famous architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. From Rome’s historic landmarks to Milan’s fashion-forward avenues, Aeroplan members now have the power to unlock these treasures with their points.

Redemption availability varies, and while the system may show fewer flights initially, the growing network ensures that many destinations within Europe (Rome ↔ Milan, for instance) are already visible in Aeroplan’s award listings. However, transatlantic flights on ITA Airways might be limited until the airline fully integrates into Star Alliance.

This development is expected to boost tourism in Rome, Milan, and the broader Italy region, as travelers now have more flexibility and value in booking flights with Aeroplan points. Tourists will be able to explore Rome’s ancient ruins, Milan’s stylish streets, and beyond, thanks to this enhanced connectivity.

Connecting Canada and Italy: A Strategic Move for Tourism

For both Canada and Italy, this partnership is poised to generate major tourism gains. Italy has long been a top destination for Canadians, and with Air Canada’s robust route network and the ease of booking with Aeroplan points, we can expect to see even more Canadians flocking to iconic destinations like Rome, Milan, and the Italian countryside.

Moreover, this collaboration opens doors for more North American travelers heading to Italy, whether it’s for a romantic vacation, a family trip, or an Italian business venture. Connecting cities like Toronto and Milan offers both leisure and business travelers flexibility and an enhanced flying experience.

The ability to redeem points on ITA Airways’ Italian routes gives visitors direct access to the rich culture, cuisine, and heritage that Italy offers. Italy has long been a country steeped in tradition and vibrant culture, and now, with Aeroplan’s inclusion of ITA Airways, it’s becoming even more accessible to people across the globe.

A Partnership that Brings People Closer

In the end, this partnership not only offers convenience and affordability for travelers but also highlights the deepening ties between Canada and Italy. As we see the benefits of Aeroplan’s partnership with ITA Airways, the connection between these two countries strengthens, paving the way for an era of increased tourism, business exchange, and cultural exploration.

In conclusion, Aeroplan members now have access to Italy’s most iconic cities and beyond, making this partnership a game-changer in the world of frequent flyer programs. Whether you’re booking your next getaway to Rome, Milan, or a hidden gem in Italy, this expansion is poised to provide more opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences.

Boosting Global Travel with Aeroplan and ITA Airways

The partnership between Air Canada and ITA Airways highlights a new chapter in the world of travel loyalty. With Aeroplan opening up new redemption opportunities, tourism in Italy is poised for a significant boost. Thanks to seamless connections, simple booking, and unmatched destinations, travelers from Canada and beyond can look forward to a smoother, more rewarding travel experience.

The post Air Canada Aeroplan Partner ITA Airways to Boost Tourism with New Redemption Options appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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