Anko van der Werff will leave SAS at the beginning of 2027 to assume the role of Air Canada President and Chief Executive Officer by the end of January 2027. The Dutch executive, who steered SAS through bankruptcy and secured 18 Airbus A330-900neos, was selected as the final choice after Air Canada’s global search following Michael Rousseau’s departure. Van der Werff meets the bilingual requirement, speaking French, a critical factor for the Montreal-based carrier. SAS will initiate its succession process immediately while maintaining operational continuity under his leadership until his departure. This appointment reflects cross-border executive mobility in aviation and strategic alignment between North American and European operators amid sector consolidation.