Few travelers today realize that the aircraft bearing the Air Canada Jazz livery once flew under a different name—Air BC. This regional carrier’s journey from independence to integration reveals a pivotal chapter in Canadian aviation history.
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in British Columbia, Air BC initially operated as an independent regional airline. Its fate became intertwined with Canada’s flag carrier when Air Canada acquired an 85% stake in 1987, marking the beginning of a strategic consolidation. By 1995, Air Canada completed its full acquisition, transforming Air BC into a wholly owned subsidiary tasked with operating feeder routes.
The Path to Integration
Air Canada’s regional strategy crystallized in 2001 with the creation of Air Canada Regional, an umbrella entity that absorbed Air BC alongside other subsidiaries. The following year brought a sweeping rebrand: all regional operations unified under the Air Canada Jazz identity. With this transition, Air BC ceased operations, its IATA code "ZX" retired from active use.
Strategic Significance
This transformation transcended a mere name change. The phasing out of Air BC reflected Air Canada’s broader effort to streamline its regional network under a single brand, improving operational efficiency while maintaining service to smaller communities. The move also mirrored industry-wide trends toward consolidation during an era of increasing competition and economic pressures.
Today, the legacy of Air BC endures through Air Canada Jazz’s continued operation of turboprop and regional jet services, connecting smaller cities to major hubs. Its story exemplifies how regional carriers have historically served as vital links in national aviation networks, even as corporate structures evolve.