Air Canada has launched an innovative approach to help Aeroplan members achieve elite status by allowing the purchase of up to 5,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) through a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) contribution program. This promotion runs through October 25, 2025, and represents a growing trend among airlines to offer status credits in exchange for supporting environmental initiatives.
The timing of this offer is strategic, coming as many travelers approach the end of the elite status qualification year and may find themselves just short of their desired tier. Rather than traditional status challenges or bonus mile promotions, Air Canada has partnered with Chooose to create a program that simultaneously supports environmental goals while helping members achieve status.
This SAF contribution program reflects the aviation industry’s increasing focus on sustainability while providing practical benefits to loyalty program members. The structure allows members to make meaningful environmental contributions while receiving tangible rewards in the form of status-qualifying credits.
The Air Canada SQM purchase program operates through Chooose, a third-party platform specializing in sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. Members can purchase SQMs in blocks of 500, with each block costing approximately 150 Canadian dollars. The program caps purchases at 5,000 SQMs per member, regardless of how many transactions are made.
Key program details include:
The pricing structure makes each SQM cost approximately 30 cents CAD (21.5 cents USD), which represents reasonable value for members close to achieving higher elite tiers. Using a credit card without foreign transaction fees when paying in Canadian dollars maximizes the value proposition.
When participating in this program, you’re not buying physical sustainable aviation fuel but rather “SAF Environmental Attributes.” These represent the environmental benefits associated with using sustainable aviation fuel instead of conventional jet fuel, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
The program works by:
This structure supports Air Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while providing immediate benefits to participating Aeroplan members through status credit rewards.
Air Canada joins other major airlines in offering elite status credits for environmental contributions. JetBlue TrueBlue, Flying Blue and Alaska Airlines have implemented similar programs, reflecting the industry’s recognition that travelers increasingly value sustainability initiatives alongside traditional loyalty benefits.
These programs serve multiple purposes by allowing airlines to advance environmental goals while providing alternative pathways to elite status that don’t require additional flying. This approach particularly appeals to environmentally conscious travelers who want their loyalty program participation to align with their values.
At approximately 21.5 cents USD per SQM, this program offers competitive pricing compared to alternative methods of earning status miles. The value becomes particularly attractive for members close to achieving higher elite tiers, where the benefits significantly outweigh the costs.
Consider these scenarios:
The program works best as a top-off mechanism rather than a primary status-earning strategy. Members who are within 5,000 SQMs of their target tier will find this option particularly valuable, especially considering the December 1 credit timeline allows for year-end status qualification.
The October 25, 2025 deadline creates urgency for members evaluating their status prospects for the current qualification year. However, the December 1 credit date ensures SQMs will count toward 2025 status qualification, making this a viable last-minute option for achieving desired tiers.
This timing is particularly relevant given Air Canada’s announced changes to elite qualification starting January 1, 2026, when the program transitions to a spending-based model. Members may want to secure current status levels before the new requirements take effect.
While the SAF contribution program offers valuable opportunities, several limitations affect its utility:
These restrictions mean the program works best for members with clear status goals and confidence in their ability to utilize the elite benefits once achieved. The targeted nature of the offer also limits accessibility compared to broader promotional campaigns.
Air Canada’s SQM purchase program takes on additional significance given the upcoming changes to Aeroplan elite qualification. Starting January 1, 2026, the program transitions from a distance-based system to spending-based requirements, aligning with industry trends toward revenue-focused loyalty programs.
This transition means:
Members considering this program should evaluate not only their immediate status needs but also how achieving higher tiers in 2025 might position them advantageously for the new spending-based system launching in 2026.
H/T Milesopedia Canada
This may be one of the last opportunities to purchase status miles directly, as Aeroplan transitions to a spending-based qualification system starting January 1, 2026. Status achieved in 2025 through this program may provide advantages under the new system.
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