Canada’s business leaders are cautiously optimistic about Air Canada’s chances for success after emerging form bankruptcy protection. The Airline’s new international and domestic strategy receives strong marks while the company’s decision to retain the same management team received failing grades. There is also moderate concern that the Government’s decision to allow the Airline to payback pension shortfalls in 10 years as opposed to 5 while retaining the Air Canada Public Participation Act puts makes Air Canada less competitive, potentially harming the pension fund.

Respondents have a number of ideas of what they would do to improve the Airline were they CEO. The top three suggestions include creating a more customer service focus at the airline, changing the management team, and changing the bonus structure and/or introducing profit sharing.

These are the key findings from this week’s National Post/COMPAS survey sponsored by BDO Dunwoody and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.