Air Canada unveils rapid expansion of Australasian network

• Sydney-Vancouver flights ramp up to daily beginning early May
• Brisbane-Vancouver flights resume Jul. 3, four times weekly
• Auckland-Vancouver flights resume Nov. 12, three times weekly
• Most extensive schedule connects South Pacific to Canada and North America; supports tourism and hospitality sectors

SYDNEY, March 17, 2022 - Air Canada today announced a dramatic expansion of its South Pacific network with the return of daily flights from Sydney and resumption of services from both Brisbane and Auckland.

All flights will operate to/from Air Canada’s trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport, from where travellers can conveniently connect with the carrier’s vast North American network.

Air Canada General Manager Australia and New Zealand Vic Naughton says the new services will further establish Vancouver as the most friendly and convenient year-round gateway to North America for business and leisure travellers.

“Our new services not only provide more direct links to Canada, they also open up one of the fastest ways for Australians and Kiwis to reach New York and other key US cities,” says Naughton.

“That’s because Air Canada passengers continuing on to cities across the United States quickly pass through YVR’s convenient US immigration and customs clearance facilities, which means they arrive at their final US destination as a domestic passenger.

“In addition, passengers travelling beyond Vancouver to other points in Canada don’t need to recheck their baggage in transit or pass through extra security checks.

“For Australian and New Zealand travellers, it adds up to an unrivaled customer journey experience."

Seats on Air Canada’s new services are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.

Australia and New Zealand Schedule

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. 

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.

Air Canada and Aeroplan partners with Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program

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.

The expanded partnership allows Virgin Australia’s eight million Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program members to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits and redeem on eligible flights with Air Canada between Australia and Vancouver and beyond. To earn Velocity Points with Air Canada, members simply need to enter their Velocity Frequent Flyer number when booking their flight directly at aircanada.com.

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 departing Canada 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.

Travelling internationally?

Visit Air Canada’s Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler's Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. For more information, please visit: aircanada.com/media, follow Air Canada on Twitter and LinkedIn, and join Air Canada on Facebook.

Contacts:      media@aircanada.ca

Internet:         aircanada.com/media

Sign up for Air Canada news: aircanada.com

Media Resources:

Photos

Videos

B-Roll

Articles