Air Canada posts profit despite 737 Max grounding

Air Canada has reported an increase in its first quarter 2019 operating income despite facing pressures surrounding Transport Canada’s decision to ground Boeing’s 737 Max jets. The grounding hit 20% of Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet. However, the group’s purchase of the Aeroplan loyalty program paired with more passengers meant a 5% rise in passenger yield. The airline posted operating income of C$127 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to C$86 million profit experienced in the same period last year. Meanwhile, operating revenue rose to a first quarter record of C$4.45 billion compared with C$4.07 billion in the