On 27 March 1987, Canadian Airlines was officially unveiled from the merger of Canadian Pacific Air Lines and Pacific Western Airlines. This new airline wanted to challenge the monopoly of Air Canada and lower the fares in Canada. The airline was absorbed in 2000 by Air Canada and fully integrated in 2001.

Her Sovereign Highness took an interest in the airline and is an avid collector of memorabilia from the defunct airline. The Rhys T. Eyton National Museum will launch a virtual exhibition on the history of the airline.

The airline was chaired by Rhys T. Eyton and presided by Murray Sigler. These individuals took the challenge of bringing together employees from two semi-major airlines into a world-class airline.

Stamps are to be issued featuring Rhys T. Eyton, Murray Sigler and a Boeing 737, the most popular plane in the main fleet, in the original colours of Canadian Airlines.