Air Canada today announced a strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.
Air Canada’s Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport. which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network. Seats are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.
Australia re-opened its borders last month. New Zealand on Monday said they’ll reopen to international visitors from visa waiver countries, including Canada and the U.S., on May 1.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“Air Canada is solidifying its market-leading position as the airline providing the most services between Canada and the South Pacific. We are accelerating the restoration of our Australian and New Zealand routes to respond to pent-up travel between our countries as borders reopen. The seamless connections through in-transit pre-clearance facilities combined with our extensive North American network at our Vancouver hub positions YVR to be the preferred gateway for travel between North America and the South Pacific,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“Our restored South Pacific flights and vast North American network will support local tourism and hospitality sectors as customers in all four countries visit and explore. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you onboard our award-winning airline,” Galardo said.
“We are thrilled with the expansion of the Air Canada network and to welcome our Aussie and Kiwi friends back to British Columbia to experience the incredible natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and hospitality we are known for,” says Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our tourism operators have been excitedly preparing for the return of more flights from the South Pacific to once again share authentic Indigenous experiences, local and sustainable cuisine and beverages, and unique accommodations for all types of travelers to eat, play and stay in B.C.”
Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. Nick Dunn/Unsplash Photo
“Air Canada resuming service from Vancouver to Australia and New Zealand as part of its continued network expansion at YVR is incredibly exciting and marks another step forward as we move through the pandemic,” said Mike McNaney, Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer at Vancouver Airport Authority. “We know Canadians are eager to travel to the South Pacific and reunite with family and friends after nearly two years of border restrictions. We’re looking forward to these flights to Brisbane and Auckland taking off from YVR in July and November, respectively.”
“These flights will help support trade and business relationships between Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As an Association that strives to foster greater business relationships between these countries, these flights are welcome news,” stated Tony Crossman, President – Canada, Australia, New Zealand Business Association (Vancouver).
Australia and New Zealand Schedule
| Flight | From | To | Days of Week | Departs | Arrives | Aircraft | Begins |
| AC033 | YVR | SYD | Ramps up to daily beginning early May | 23:15 | 07:45 (+2 days) | Boeing 777 | Currently operating |
| AC034 | SYD | YVR | Ramps up to daily beginning early May | 09:30 | 07:10 | Boeing 777 | Currently operating |
| AC035 | YVR | BNE | Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun | 22:55 | 06:35 (+2 days) | Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Jul. 1 |
| AC036 | BNE | YVR | Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun | 10:15 | 06:50 | Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Jul. 3 |
| AC039 | YVR | AKL | Tue/Thu/Sat | 22:45 | 10:05 (+2 days) | Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Nov. 10 |
| AC040 | AKL | YVR | Mon/Thu/Sat | 14:30 | 06:30 | Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Nov. 12 |
Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19’s trajectory and the further easing of travel restrictions by government. For details on the full schedule please visit aircanada.com
Easy and convenient connections
Air Canada’s South Pacific flights connect seamlessly and conveniently to and from its extensive North American network in YVR including: New York-Newark, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles among other cities.
In Sydney and Brisbane, Air Canada’s flights will connect easily to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Cairns and other destinations with code-share partner Virgin Australia.
Product enhancements
Air Canada’s Signature Suite at YVR is planned to re-open by this summer. Raising the bar with its five-star dining experience in a discerning and private, luxurious enclave that offers the finest Canada has to offer in food, design and comfort, the Signature Suite sets a new standard for premium travel in North America. It is available to select Signature Service customers travelling to international destinations and is located on the second floor of the International Maple Leaf Lounge in YVR, and in Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1.
The Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Air Canada’s onboard services on its South Pacific flights showcase the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada’s panel of celebrity chefs, including award-winning Vancouver-based chef David Hawksworth and Montreal-based chef Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier Véronique Rivest.
All customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan Points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
Travel Policy: Book with confidence
Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
Travelling internationally?
Visit Air Canada’s Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.
