Aeroplan will search for new airline

MONTREAL — The operator of the Aeroplan loyalty program is urging members to be patient as it seeks a new airline partner while working to broaden the card’s travel offerings after its relationship with Air Canada changes in mid-2020.

“We need to be realistic around the speed that we can move with potential partners in the context where our current agreement is still in place for the next two and a half years,” Aimia Inc. CEO David Johnston said on a conference call to discuss its third-quarter results.

He said Thursday the company is working with “a high degree of urgency” but won’t be rushed to align its airline partnership announcement with Air Canada’s release of details about its program launch. Air Canada served notice in May that it does not plan to renew its 30-plus year partnership with Aeroplan parent Aimia when the current contract ends.

The airline has invited key financial institutions to participate in bids to join its own loyalty program and expects to issue a request for proposals early next year.

“I’m not linking my timing with Air Canada’s timing,” Johnston said in an interview. “I’m focusing on the priorities in my business.”

Those include getting new airline partnerships, removing costs from the business and improving its cash position.

Aimia has been working to broaden Aeroplan beyond just being a flight provider by adding car rentals partners, hotels and dining.