Flight Centre celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary in Canada earlier this week at head office in Toronto with senior leaders reflecting three decades of achievement, while sharing what’s ahead in 2026 and beyond.
“The first 30 years built our foundation,” declared Chris Lynes, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. “The next 30 will define what’s possible.”
Honouring the past
Wearing the brand’s signature red, Anita Emilio, Executive VP and VP of Flight Centre Canada paid tribute to the company’s origins: “In 1995, Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner brought Flight Centre from Australia to Canada with a simple but bold vision: disrupt the market with discounted fares, create a one-stop shop for travellers, and inject fresh energy into the industry. Despite global disruptions – from September 11 to the COVID-19 pandemic – we’ve stayed strong. Tonight, we honour that resilience.”
A renewed commitment
Since its Canadian debut, Flight Centre has evolved from “Lowest Airfares Guaranteed” to “Your Centre for Travel,” all while maintaining a firm commitment to purposeful, sustainable growth, the company says, adding it is more focused and energized than ever.
“The past two years have been the strongest in our 30-year history in the Canadian market – we’re halfway through our financial year, and right now, it all points to another incredible year,” said Lynes. “In the first quarter of 2026, Flight Centre Travel Group Canada delivered nearly 7% year-over-year growth in total transaction value. Last May, we opened our first new brick-and-mortar store since the pandemic at Toronto’s Royal Bank Plaza. Two additional locations – one in Toronto and one in Vancouver – will debut this fiscal year. We’re also on track to reach 20 to 25 stores nationally within the next three to five years.”
As such, the expansion paves the way for new hiring planned across the country in 2026.
“Travellers want someone who can answer the phone when plans change – be it weather disruptions, geopolitical instability or airline strikes,” added Lynes. “That’s where Flight Centre excels – and why we continue to invest deeply in our teams and the experience we deliver.”
AI
At the same time, the company is harnessing AI to aid its advisors, and this week introduced Co-Consult, an exclusive AI research tool designed to help advisors build tailored itineraries.
Drawing on historical booking insights and preferred product offerings, Co-Consult provides personalized recommendations based on destination, travel dates, budget and individual client needs. Advisors then apply their expertise and creativity to shape these insights into customized travel solutions.
Flight Centre’s philosophy was on full display at the company’s annual education conference and supplier trade show, held Tuesday at Novotel Toronto Centre. More than 80 travel experts from across Canada gathered for in-person training on AI, intentional selling, earned media, supplier offerings and more, reinforcing Flight Centre’s dedication to continuous learning and industry-wide collaboration.
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