Air Canada will become the official airline of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the airline and the Vancouver organizing committee announced Thursday.

The six-year partnership also includes sponsorship rights and transportation for Canadian Olympic teams to next year's summer games in Beijing and the 2012 London Olympics.

``All of us at Air Canada are honoured to support the Olympic and Paralympic spirit,'' Air Canada president and CEO Montie Brewer said in a news release.

``We are looking forward to Vancouver's success as the host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and are committed to playing a key role in bringing athletes, families, friends and supporters from around the world to the Games.''

The announcement was made in an Air Canada hangar, accompanied by Olympic champions Jennifer Heil, Benoit Huot and Marc Gagnon.

Canada's largest airline said it has developed its Vancouver hub to offer easy access to the international sporting event.

John Furlong, head of the Vancouver organizing committee, said it's only fitting that Canada's airline will carry the country's teams to the competitions.

As part of its support of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the airline will donate $600,000 over six years and give $1 from every online booking made through its website during an annual campaign period. This year's campaign will be held the week of April 30.