MONTREAL — Air Canada President and Chief Executive Officer, Calin Rovinescu, has named Benjamin Smith, previously Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, to the new role of President, Passenger Airlines.

In addition to his current responsibilities, Smith will now have cost as well as revenue oversight for passenger airline activities, with a view to optimizing the operating profitability of Air Canada, consistent with organizational structures at other large U.S. and European airlines.

Smith continues to report to Rovinescu in this role.

“Ben has continuously demonstrated his passion, industry knowledge and proven leadership throughout his more than 20 years with Air Canada and has contributed significantly to our record revenues and evolution of our products, services and airline alliances,” said Rovinescu. “In the next phase of Air Canada’s development, we will need to have an even greater focus on our network and international activities, as we continue to drive towards sustainable profitability.”