Air Canada Completes Acquisition of Aeroplan

[Planet]

FAQ: https://www.aeroplan.com/program-updates-faq.do

A new program will be launched in 2020. Aeroplan miles will be transferred 1:1 to the new program. Your status will also remain the same.
In the new program, they will not be partners with Porter Airlines, Flair Airlines, Air Transat.
New partners: Cathay Pacific, GOL Brazil.

Link to the new program https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/frequent-flyer.html

[yelped]

Unfortunately, we can assume that a devaluation will be part of this...

[ExGingi]

A few interesting points from their press release (there's a link on the page linked above):

Customers expressed their strong preference to use their Aeroplan Miles in the new Air Canada loyalty program, expected to be the best loyalty program in the country

How many other Canadian loyalty programs are they competing with?

And for those that don't yet get how these programs are money makers for the airlines (some emphasis and comments added):

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition consists of $450 million in cash plus $47 million in cash for pre-closing adjustments. The pre-closing adjustments relate to lower net liabilities assumed than projected (Expired miles? EG). The purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments and the acquisition also includes the assumption of the Aeroplan Miles liability. Air Canada received payments from TD and CIBC in the aggregate amount of $822 million (Payments received upfront in excess of cash purchase outlay of the program. EG). Visa also made a payment to Air Canada and assuming completion of the American Express agreement, AMEX will do likewise. In addition, TD and CIBC made payments to Aimia Canada Inc., now Air Canada's subsidiary, in the aggregate amount of $400 million as prepayments to be applied towards future monthly payments in respect of Aeroplan Miles.

[Dan]

How many other Canadian loyalty programs are they competing with?

Airmiles.

[mordechain]

Air Miles is no longer really a mileage program. Almost everyone in Canada uses it to save a few bucks on groceries.

[PlatinumGuy]

CX was always an Aeroplan partner (on limited routes)

[Ploni3]

To the best of my knowledge, Cathay flights are not eligible for Altitude (status) points, currently. If Cathay becomes a fully eligible airline, that would be a material improvement.