Air Canada has announced chief operating officer Duncan Dee will take early retirement this autumn following a 15-year career with the airline.

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents. 

“Duncan’s contribution to Air Canada during the course of his career has been very significant,” said Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada president.

“He has held many different roles at Air Canada over his career, but in his role as chief operating officer, he has helped both shape our strategic direction and lead the airline through the challenges of transformation, while continuing to build on our worldwide reputation for safety and customer service excellence.

“Under his leadership, Air Canada achieved significant operational and cost efficiencies, including greater fleet productivity and CASM reduction, while at the same time improving customer satisfaction levels.

“Duncan has agreed to remain available to Air Canada after his retirement this fall and the Board joins me in thanking him for his ongoing dedication.”

Canada’s flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers.

Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.

Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,290 destinations in 189 countries.

“It has been a true honour to have been a member of the Air Canada team for the past 15 years and, in particular, to have had the opportunity to contribute to our achievements over the past three years as chief operating officer,” said Dee.

“I know that these achievements will help transform Air Canada into a stronger, more sustainable airline in the years to come.”