by Jim Byers
Last updated: 12:05 AM ET, Thu February 28, 2019
Canadian agents can now provide their clients with easier access to New Zealand and Brazil, and with a more comfortable way to get to Hawaii.
Air Canada has announced the addition of new, non-stop, seasonal flights between Vancouver and Auckland, New Zealand. Air Canada's flights to Auckland will operate four times weekly onboard the carrier's state-of-the-art flagship Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft beginning Dec. 12, 2019 until the end of March 2020, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals.
"We are delighted to add Auckland as we continue strategically expanding Air Canada's international network and increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific market. The launch of Auckland service in December will be of particular interest to New Zealanders travelling for a Canadian winter vacation, and to North Americans travelling to enjoy New Zealand's vibrant multicultural urban and natural attractions during their summer season," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. "We have timed our Auckland flights to conveniently connect at our YVR trans-Pacific hub to and from a multitude of non-stop destinations throughout North America including New York-Newark. Our Dreamliners, featuring our Signature Service together with the seamless connections through in-transit preclearance facilities and competitive elapsed travel times, position Air Canada and YVR as a preferred trans-Pacific option for travel."
Air Canada also has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand to pursue expanding its current alliance arrangement to strategically co-operate in the form of a Joint Venture, subject to each airline doing their paperwork and getting approvals. A deeper, more integrated partnership will provide greater customer choice, comprehensive benefits and an expanded trans-Pacific network.
Air Canada also has announced new winter service from Montreal to São Paulo, Brazil, the only non-stop flights between the two cities. This new route to São Paulo will commence on Dec. 11, 2019 and operate three return-trips weekly from Montreal until March 27, 2020. Flights are timed for convenient connections across Air Canada's network in North America, including to and from Vancouver, Calgary and Quebec City, as well as several Brazilian cities beyond São Paulo.
Special introductory fares start as low as $600 round-trip, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase at aircanada.com.
"Air Canada is continuing its international expansion from Montreal with the introduction of the only non-stop service between Montreal and Brazil," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network planning at Air Canada. "Complementing existing Toronto service, Montreal-São Paulo flights will provide a link to the country's largest city and financial centre while offering a great opportunity for Brazilians looking for a winter vacation in Quebec. São Paulo is the twelfth new international destination added by Air Canada from Montreal-Trudeau Airport since 2017, reinforcing further the commitment we have to develop Montreal as a strategic hub."
In addition, Air Canada announced it will launch new, non-stop service between Toronto and Quito. The new route, to be operated three-times weekly on a seasonal basis by Air Canada Rouge, will be the first non-stop service to Ecuador from Canada when it begins Dec. 8, 2019, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals.
"Air Canada is expanding its footprint in South America as part of its ongoing international growth strategy from our Toronto global hub. As the capital of Ecuador, Quito is both an important tourism and cargo market, and Ecuador has a growing number of Canadians living in the country who will also benefit from this convenient non-stop service. As well, our expansion in South America gives us an opportunity to efficiently deploy our aircraft during the winter months when southern destinations are more popular," said Galardo.
Finally, the airline also announced Air Canada that it will operate its seasonal service between Toronto and Honolulu next winter with its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Customers travelling between Toronto and Hawaii will have the option to fly in Air Canada's Signature cabin, featuring fully lie-flat suites, meals prepared by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth and other amenities.
"Air Canada is pleased to offer customers travelling between Toronto and Hawaii the added comfort of service aboard our state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner," Galardo said. "Air Canada is the only airline flying non-stop from Eastern Canada to Hawaii and the superior comfort of the Dreamliner, featuring Air Canada Signature Service, perfectly suits this ultimate dream vacation destination, particularly as many premium Hawaii customers connect from European and other long-haul flights."
Dreamliner service will be available on the Toronto-Honolulu route beginning Dec. 14, 2019 and will operate three return-trips weekly until April 26, 2020. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers three cabins of service; Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy.
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