SAS AB Chief Executive Anko van der Werff is emerging as a leading candidate to head Air Canada, according to people familiar with the matter. His potential appointment follows controversy over CEO Michael Rousseau's failure to speak French in a corporate video, sparking public and political pressure.

Rousseau announced his retirement by September 2025, with Canadian and Quebec leaders stressing the need for a bilingual successor. Van der Werff’s experience at the Scandinavian airline group positions him as a strong contender. Air Canada has also realigned senior executive roles in anticipation of leadership changes.

This leadership transition highlights the sensitivity surrounding language and representation in Canada’s aviation sector. The airline’s board faces the challenge of selecting a CEO who meets linguistic expectations while driving Air Canada’s strategic growth initiatives, including its New Frontiers program.