On September 1, 1937, two Lockheed L-10A Electra planes and a Stearman fresh out of crop-spraying work took off to launch an airline that, 85 years later, carries the name and symbols of Canada to the world.

Air Canada’s history begins when Trans-Canada Air Lines was incorporated by an Act of Parliament to coordinate air transportation throughout Canada. World War I fighter ace Donald MacLaren was hired to set up the TCA Pilot Recruitment Program and attracted the best, including many pioneers in air operations or who flew during the war.

The dangerous Atlantic route was first charted during World War II, and the first TCA crossing was a 12-hour, 26-minute flight from Montreal to Prestwick, Scotland on July 22, 1943. A Lancaster no armed – a military aircraft converted for civilian use – carried three passengers for official government business and cargo for soldiers at war.

Slow, heavy and deafeningly loud, these remarkably reliable craft were part of the Canadian government’s transatlantic air service and could withstand an attack on the dangerous route. These early voyages were uncomfortable for passengers and crew, but proved to be an invaluable training ground for the company’s future transatlantic passenger services.

Over the past 85 years, innovations introduced by Air Canada include the use of anti-skid brakes in 1955 and the first flight recorder, developed by Trans-Canada Air Lines in 1958. In October 2006, the company entered the history by becoming the first carrier to introduce reclining beds on all business class flights.

Interestingly, Embraer released a video honoring Air Canada, its former customerwhich ceased to operate with Brazilian regional jets, replacing them with Airbus A220s.