Air Canada to launch non-stop service to Delhi

Montreal, December 15, 2014 (STAT):- Air Canada is launching a non-stop service from Toronto to Delhi beginning in November 2015. The new route, the first to be dedicated for Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 series aircraft, will open new opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, currently the largest international market not served by Air Canada.

“Air Canada’s strategy to grow its Toronto Pearson hub and international presence is taking a major step forward with the addition of Delhi to our extensive global network. We will be offering the only non-stop flight from Canada to India using our newest Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are revolutionizing long-haul air travel. The operating economics of these new aircraft make this service feasible and it will be the first route dedicated to the larger, 787-9 version of this aircraft, which begin entering our fleet in 2015,” said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

”This service will appeal both to customers visiting and doing business in Delhi, the capital region of India and the fourth most populous urban area in the world, and to those customers making onward connections within India and throughout Southeast Asia on our Star Alliance partner, Air India, or other interline partners,” said Mr. Rovinescu.

“This government is committed to helping the Canadian air industry increase its access to international markets. Opening markets in India and continuing to facilitate travel for Canada’s Indian Community, not only benefits our air sector and promotes increased trade, but travellers will now have more options to connect with friends and loved ones,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.

”Canada and India are committed to strengthening economic and other ties and in a globalized world non-stop air linkages are vital to achieving such goals. Air Canada’s new service will facilitate business relationships and promote increased trade by connecting both countries’ largest urban centres. Given our country’s vibrant and thriving Indo-Canadian community, the route will also make it easier for families and friends to visit one another and remain connected,” said Nadir Patel, Canada’s new high commissioner in the Republic of India.