Air Canada Added To Montreal Canadiens Jersey

The Montreal Canadiens, an NHL team based in Montreal, have announced a multi-year partnership with Air Canada.

As part of the partnership, the Air Canada logo will appear on the top right of the Canadiens’ away jerseys.

Previously, Montreal Canadiens jerseys were known for lacking sponsor features. However, last year, the NHL approved their Jersey Advertising Program.

As a result, teams can now feature key partners’ logos on their jerseys. Air Canada will appear on the away strip, while RBC has appeared on the home jersey since the program was introduced.

Concerns Over Air Canada Appearing

Ultimately, Canadiens fans have voiced concerns about the logo on the jersey.

The Canadiens have long been part of Canadian culture and the country’s sporting identity. Equally important are the jerseys, which, unlike most teams, have remained largely unchanged over the decades.

However, some fans have expressed frustration at the addition of an Air Canada patch to the esteemed jersey.

Additionally, fans have expressed frustration over choosing Air Canada, of all partners, to add to the jersey.

The flag carrier’s reputation within the country has declined significantly recently, with several concerns, including poor service, cancelled flights, and more, impacting people.

Fans and the general public believe adding the patch, an extension of an existing partnership, is a kick in the face to Canadians.

Comments From Executives

As the Official Airline of the Montreal Canadiens, Air Canada is deeply passionate about our relationship with the organization and its devoted fans throughout Quebec and across North America. As hockey lovers ourselves, it’s a privilege to fly the team across the continent and proudly represent our support and partnership on and off the ice.

Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan.

It’s a privilege for us to have a longstanding relationship with Canada’s national carrier in Air Canada, and we’re proud to formalize a partnership that will showcase Air Canada’s brand whenever we play on the road. We entrust Air Canada to move our players from city to city, and now that connection will be featured on the ice itself, as our team plays before our fans in NHL markets everywhere.

France Margaret Belanger, President of Sports and Entertainment, Groupe CH.

Looking Ahead For Air Canada And The Montreal Canadiens

Air Canada will continue to fly the Montreal Canadiens; however, it will now occupy a spot on the Habs’ away jersey.

Typically, Air Canada transports the Canadiens on road trips aboard its Jet division, which handles more chartered travel.

The new patch will debut during tonight’s game against the Anaheim Ducks in California. However, it’ll appear on all Canadiens games where they wear their white jersey, away from Montreal.

The Air Canada Foundation and the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation also announced plans to auction these jerseys.

As part of this, they will auction a set of game-worn road jerseys. The proceeds will benefit local children’s charities and help inspire the next generation of hockey.