Air Canada brings back non-stop Vancouver-Brisbane flights

With the departure yesterday of flight AC36, Air Canada is once again providing Queenslanders with non-stop Boeing 787 Dreamliner services between Brisbane and Vancouver.

Four services a week are now operating from Queensland’s capital to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline plans to increase frequency of the route to five flights a week in December.

Air Canada’s GM ANZ Vic Naughton said the return of non-stop Brisbane-Vancouver services will re-establish YVR as the most efficient and friendly year-round North American gateway for Queensland’s business and leisure travellers.

“Vancouver International Airport exclusively offers Air Canada passengers the opportunity to continue on to cities across Canada without rechecking baggage or passing through extra security checks,” Naughton said.

“Passengers continuing on to the United States also don’t need to collect and recheck bags in transit, unlike when transiting through US airports.

“They simply pass through YVR’s US immigration and customs clearance facilities, then continue on to their final destination.

“That’s how Air Canada is able to once again able offer the fastest service between Brisbane and New York, as well as other US cities like Seattle.

“For Queensland travellers, it adds up to an unparalleled customer journey experience.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said Air Canada’s new Brisbane-Vancouver services will deliver 60,000 tourists each year and provide crucial boost trade between Queensland and Canada.

“They’ll enable Queensland farmers to export meat and fresh produce direct to Vancouver and beyond,” de Graaf said.

“Previously, perishable goods had to travel via Sydney which extended delivery times. Air Canada’s 787-9 can carry up to 11 tonnes of cargo, which Queensland exporters will be able to take advantage of.

“The Sunshine State also relies on Canada for crucial parts to keep our economy moving. Queensland Rail’s Next Generation Rolling Stock, the Gold Coast Light Rail and many aircraft servicing the state’s regional airports rely on the fast delivery of parts from Canada.”

Air Canada’s B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft features 30 Signature Service lie-flat seat suites, 21 premium economy and 247 economy class seats. All Air Canada flights provide for accumulation and redemption of Aeroplan Points, and for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits.

Air Canada’s Brisbane-Vancouver services reinforce its market-leading position as the airline providing the most seats between Australia and Canada, with 10 flights each week currently operating between Sydney and Vancouver.