Air Canada to launch new routes from Vancouver to Paris and Zurich

September 2, 2017: Air Canada has expanded its international network from Vancouver with new services launching June 2018 to Paris and Zurich, and the start of year-round flights to Melbourne.

In addition, Air Canada is increasing its non-stop Delhi flights from Vancouver that resume October 14, with up to five times weekly service for the 2017-18 season, and increasing its London-Heathrow service with twice-daily flights for summer 2018.

“We continue to strategically broaden our international network from our Vancouver hub with the addition of two new, non-stop international services to Europe in 2018, more year-round flights to Australia, and additional flights to Delhi and London Heathrow. With the launch of flights to Paris and Zurich, Air Canada will fly non-stop from YVR to five European destinations next summer, offering excellent options for travellers from BC and the North American west coast to Europe, and as well as for European visitors and beyond to western Canada and the Pacific Northwest,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

“Following our upcoming launch of seasonal service to Melbourne this winter, we are delighted to serve Australia's second largest city year-round starting in June. All new flights from YVR to Paris, Zurich and Melbourne will be operated with our Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The operating economics of the Dreamliners together with the Vancouver Airport Authority's efforts to maintain airport operating costs among the lowest in Canada have enabled us to expand our network here to connect our already extensive BC, Western Canada and US routes to even more international destinations, and position YVR as a preferred option to travel through,” concluded Smith.

“Just one of these new connections would have been big news, but to be able to announce three major new services in one day is really exciting, and a true testament to the work Air Canada is doing to grow their transpacific hub here at YVR,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.

“These new flights will open up exciting opportunities for travellers to connect to and from Europe, Australia and beyond.”

“International travellers are drawn to British Columbia's vibrant cities that offer an endless supply of unique travel experiences. With demand for travel to YVR increasing, these additional flights provided by Air Canada will ensure that travellers have more options to experience our beautiful province,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

All new routes are timed to optimise connectivity at Air Canada's Vancouver hub to and from the airline's extensive network across North America. The new Vancouver-Zurich flights will connect to and from destinations in Europe, Africa and India with Star Alliance partner Swiss International Air Lines. All Australia flights are timed to connect to and from Adelaide, Canberra, Perth and to Tasmania with codeshare partner Virgin Australia.