Air Canada readies PH-Vancouver flights
By Apr. 2, 2025, Filipinos will have more flight options going to Canada with the launch of Air Canada’s non-stop service between Vancouver and Manila.
This route, which will be offered four times weekly, is the airline’s 12th destination in its Asia Pacific network that includes Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
It is also the airline’s first route in the Philippines, making its foray into the country that has been seeing more launches of long-haul flights following the resurgence of air travel.
“We continue to pursue our international network strategy of expanding to large, fast-growing markets that are presently unserved directly by Air Canada,” Air Canada executive vice president for revenue and network planning Mark Galardo said in a statement.
“The Philippines is an important market reflecting long standing family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities,” he added.
Based on a 2021 census, over 950,000 people of Filipino origin lived in Canada. A large portion resides in Vancouver, as well as Ontario, Alberta, Montreal and Calgary, among others.
Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), said the launch of the 14-hour non-stop flight would generate $46 million in economic value as this will not only spur travel but also tourism.
“This new Manila service builds on their (Air Canada) extensive Asia network from YVR, bringing family, friends and business together and providing travellers with more choice and connections,” Vrooman added.
For this route, Air Canada will deploy a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins: lie-flat seats, premium economy and economy class.
In October, Philippine Airlines launched its Manila-Seattle flights while United Airlines began its San Francisco-Narita-Cebu flights.
Qantas Airways started servicing its Brisbane-Manila route in October as well.
Meanwhile, Air France will operate the much-awaited Manila-Paris flights next week.
The AirAsia Group, in addition, is keen on setting up direct flights between Manila and the United States by next year. This is part of the multi-hub strategy by the low-cost airline, which has presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand.
