With just ten days remaining until the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Air Canada has premiered a powerful new brand advertisement. The spot, titled 'Tyler's Walk,' features Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassador and captain of Canada's Para ice hockey team, Tyler McGregor.
A Story of Resilience and Determination
The heart of the new campaign is the inspiring story of McGregor's personal journey. 'Tyler's Walk' focuses on his remarkable resilience following a life-altering event, underscoring the immense obstacles that athletes must often overcome in their relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.
"Hockey has always been a part of my life, and this is a reminder of the sheer grit and determination it has taken to get here," McGregor stated. "It's an honour to have the chance to tell my story and shine a light on the passion and hard work that goes into wearing the maple leaf – not just during the Games, but every day."
Martine Boulerice, Director of Brand Marketing – Sponsorships, Events & Quebec at Air Canada, expressed deep pride in the campaign. "We are immensely proud of 'Tyler's Walk,' which serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to greatness is often marked by incredible obstacles, and also extraordinary triumphs," she said. "This campaign represents more than just Tyler's story, it's about inspiring Canadians to believe in what's possible, no matter the challenges they face."
Air Canada's Commitment to Team Canada's Journey
Beyond the advertising campaign, Air Canada is undertaking a massive logistical operation to support the national team. Through its employee-driven Going for Gold program, the airline is tasked with transporting and caring for more than 750 athletes, coaches, and delegation members on their journeys to and from Italy.
This effort ensures that Team Canada can focus entirely on performance when it matters most. The coordination involves a vast network of Air Canada employees working behind the scenes across more than 23 airports. In total, over 10,000 employees will collaborate to manage complex travel logistics, including the specialized handling of sports equipment and mobility devices, guaranteeing smooth and seamless travel for the delegation.
Air Canada's partnership with Canadian athletes is long-standing, having served as the Official Airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and the Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007.
Kicking Off the Games with Fan Engagement
The final countdown is now on. In just over a week, the first wave of Team Canada athletes and delegates will begin their journey from Canada to Italy. Their send-off will be marked by a special event at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), where Air Canada employees will welcome the delegation.
The event is designed to bring fans closer to the action, featuring live entertainment, interactive experiences, and moments of national pride before the team departs for the pinnacle of international winter sport. This initiative highlights Air Canada's role not just as a transporter, but as a key participant in the national excitement surrounding the Games.
