The chief executive of Air Canada will retire later this year following criticism over an English-only condolence video released after last week’s deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York that claimed the lives of two pilots.

Michael Rousseau told the airline he plans to step down by the end of the company’s third quarter, Air Canada confirmed in a statement issued Monday.

Rousseau had faced mounting pressure to resign after delivering condolences solely in English. One of the victims, Antoine Forest, was from the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec.

He later apologised, saying he was unable to express himself "adequately" in French—one of Canada’s official languages—despite years of study.

In announcing his retirement, Rousseau said: "It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation.

"I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period."

Air Canada noted in the same statement that Rousseau is stepping down "after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership" at the Montreal-based carrier.

The video drew sharp criticism from Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said it demonstrated "a lack of compassion."

Quebec Premier François Legault said Rousseau should consider resigning if he could not speak French.

Following the retirement announcement, Legault said in a post on X that the airline’s next chief executive should be fluent in French as a "matter of respect for the employees, francophone customers, and all Quebecers".

The controversy stemmed from a video issued after an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck shortly after landing at LaGuardia Airport, killing Forest and fellow pilot Mackenzie Gunther.

In the video, Rousseau expressed "deepest sorrow for everyone affected." The message, posted on X, included subtitles in both English and French.

Despite that, he faced swift backlash for not speaking French in the recording and was later called to appear before Canada’s parliamentary committee on Official Languages to "explain himself" to lawmakers.

Rousseau subsequently issued a written apology in both English and French, stating he regretted that his inability to speak French had "diverted attention" from the grieving families of the pilots and the airline’s staff.

He acknowledged that his French skills remain limited "despite many lessons over the years".

"I sincerely apologise for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve," he said.

Rousseau, an anglophone who resides in Montreal, has previously been criticised for his French proficiency, including soon after his appointment as Air Canada’s CEO in 2021.

At that time, he also apologised and pledged to improve his command of the language.

Air Canada, originally established as a federal Crown corporation, has operated as a private company since 1988. It remains subject to Canada’s Official Languages Act, requiring services, including onboard announcements, to be provided in both English and French.