Air Canada launches 4 new routes

Next winter, Air Canada will connect Canadians with four new destinations in South America and the Pacific, following a series of new route announcements made today (Feb. 27).

The new non-stop seasonal flights include Toronto-Honolulu; Toronto-Quito; Vancouver-Auckland; and Montreal-Sao Paulo. Each will launch in December with service lasting into spring.

READ MORE: How Air Canada gets you there safely, even in a storm

Route details

Toronto-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, running until May 11, 2020.

Flights will be operated by Air Canada Rouge using a 282-seat, Boeing 767-300ER aircraft

"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,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s vice-president - network planning. “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.”

Toronto-Honolulu

Operated on the new B787 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.

"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," said Galardo.

Vancouver-Auckland

Air Canada's flights to Auckland will operate four times weekly onboard the B787-8 Dreamliner, 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,” said Lucie Guillemette, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer at Air Canada. “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.”

Air Canada has also 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 Air Canada and Air New Zealand making the necessary filings, obtaining competition and other regulatory approvals and finalizing documentation. A "deeper, more integrated partnership" will "provide greater customer choice, comprehensive benefits and an expanded trans-Pacific network," Air Canada said.

"Air Canada and Air New Zealand already have a close partnership, having been codeshare and Star Alliance partners for more than 20 years. We look forward to deepening our relationship and optimizing our far-reaching trans-Pacific network co-operation, offering our customers a choice of more flights, connections and travel opportunities," added John MacLeod, vice-president, global sales and alliances at Air Canada.

Montreal-Sao Paulo

This new route to São Paulo, the only non-stop flights between the two cities, will commence on Dec. 11, 2019 and operate three return-trips weekly from Montreal until March 27, 2020.

Flights will be operated by Air Canada's flagship aircraft, the 298-seat, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class service.

“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,” Galardo said. “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.”

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