Air Canada announces major expansion down under.....resumption of services to Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

Canada's leading legacy carrier Air Canada has just announced a major strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and the resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.  

Air Canada's Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network. 

"Air Canada is solidifying its market-leading position as the airline providing the most services between Canada and the South Pacific. We are accelerating the restoration of our Australian and New Zealand routes to respond to pent-up travel between our countries as borders reopen. The seamless connections through in-transit pre-clearance facilities combined with our extensive North American network at our Vancouver hub positions YVR to be the preferred gateway for travel between North America and the South Pacific," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

"Our restored South Pacific flights and vast North American network will support local tourism and hospitality sectors as customers in all four countries visit and explore. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you onboard our award-winning airline," concluded Mr Galardo.

"We are thrilled with the expansion of the Air Canada network and to welcome our Aussie and Kiwi friends back to British Columbia to experience the incredible natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and hospitality we are known for," says Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "Our tourism operators have been excitedly preparing for the return of more flights from the South Pacific to once again share authentic Indigenous experiences, local and sustainable cuisine and beverages, and unique accommodations for all types of travellers to eat, play and stay in B.C."

"Air Canada resuming service from Vancouver to Australia and New Zealand as part of its continued network expansion at YVR is incredibly exciting and marks another step forward as we move through the pandemic," said Mike McNaney, Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer at Vancouver Airport Authority. "We know Canadians are eager to travel to the South Pacific and reunite with family and friends after nearly two years of border restrictions. We're looking forward to these flights to Brisbane and Auckland taking off from YVR in July and November, respectively."

"These flights will help support trade and business relationships between Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As an Association that strives to foster greater business relationships between these countries, these flights are welcome news," stated Tony Crossman, President - Canada, Australia, New Zealand Business Association (Vancouver).

Australia and New Zealand Schedule

Flight	From	To	Days of Week	Departs	Arrives	Aircraft	Begins
AC033	YVR	SYD	Ramps up to daily beginning early May	23:15	07:45 (+2 days)	Boeing 777	Currently operating
AC034	SYD	YVR	Ramps up to daily beginning early May	09:30	07:10	Boeing 777	Currently operating
AC035	YVR	BNE	Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun	22:55	06:35 (+2 days)	Boeing 787 Dreamliner	Jul. 1
AC036	BNE	YVR	Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun	10:15	06:50	Boeing 787 Dreamliner	Jul. 3
AC039	YVR	AKL	Tue/Thu/Sat	22:45	10:05 (+2 days)	Boeing 787 Dreamliner	Nov. 10
AC040	AKL	YVR	Mon/Thu/Sat	14:30	06:30	Boeing 787 Dreamliner	Nov. 12

Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19's trajectory and the further easing of travel restrictions by government. For details on the full schedule please visit aircanada.com

Easy and convenient connections

Air Canada's South Pacific flights connect seamlessly and conveniently to and from its extensive North American network in YVR including New York-Newark, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles among other cities.

In Sydney and Brisbane, Air Canada's flights will connect easily to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Cairns and other destinations with code-share partner Virgin Australia.

Product enhancements

Air Canada's Signature Suite at YVR is planned to re-open by this summer. Raising the bar with its five-star dining experience in a discerning and private, luxurious enclave that offers the finest Canada has to offer in food, design and comfort, the Signature Suite sets a new standard for premium travel in North America. It is available to select Signature Service customers travelling to international destinations and is located on the second floor of the International Maple Leaf Lounge in YVR, and in Toronto Pearson's Terminal 1.

Air Canada's onboard services on its South Pacific flights showcase the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada's panel of celebrity chefs, including award-winning Vancouver-based chef David Hawksworth and Montreal-based chef Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier Véronique Rivest.

All customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan Points through Canada's leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.

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