It’s Been 85 Years Since American Airlines Landed the 1st Int’l Commercial Flight at YYZ

American Airlines is celebrating 85 years since it landed a DC-3 at Malton Airport – now Toronto Pearson – as the airport’s first international commercial flight. The June 24, 1941 flight to the three-year-old airport made the short journey from Buffalo, New York.

Today, Canada is home to one of American’s key international operations, with more than 200 team members across six destinations, including: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Quebec City (YQB), Calgary (YYC), and Halifax (YHZ).

“Canada has long been a vital part of our international network, and we’re incredibly proud to have grown alongside the communities we serve here,” said José Freig, VP of International and Inflight Dining Operations for American Airlines. 

“From our earliest routes to today’s exciting milestones — including new routes connecting New York (JFK) with Calgary and Quebec City — we remain focused on delivering a reliable and enjoyable travel experience. Our success in Canada is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers and to the passion and dedication of our Canadian team, who bring our commitment to life every day.”

“American Airlines made history at Toronto Pearson by operating the airport’s first international commercial flight in 1941, a milestone that marked the beginning of 85 years of connecting Canada and the United States,” said Carl Jones, Head of Aviation Business Development, Toronto Pearson. 

“That legacy continues today, and we’re proud to celebrate this anniversary with the American Airlines team. We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership for many years to come.”

From Toronto this summer AA is operating up to 186 weekly flights to eight U.S. destinations, including Charlote (CLT), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (LGA), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL), representing a flight increase of 5% and a seat capacity increase of 10% compared to the same season of 2025.

American’s Canada summer operation

For the peak summer holidays, American will offer up to 61 peak daily departures from Canada to the U.S., representing a more than 27% growth in capacity compared to the previous year. 

This will include up to 28 daily flights from YYZ, up to 11 peak daily flights from Montreal (YUL), up to seven daily flights from Vancouver (YVR), and up to six daily flights from Calgary (YYC), Halifax (YHZ), and Quebec City (YQB).

From August 6 through October 4, American will introduce new service between JFK and YYC, operating three times per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays), on Boeing 737 aircraft, complementing the airline’s existing Saturday service to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Additionally, from August 5 through October 12, the airline will launch daily nonstop service between JFK and Quebec City, operated on Embraer 175 aircraft.

More than 30 American Airlines team members recently joined forces with Food Banks Mississauga to assist with food sorting and other essential warehouse operations. The volunteer event directly supporte the organization’s efforts to address food insecurity in the community. Together, they sorted enough food to help provide more than 12,000 meals to individuals and families in need.