Canada’s largest two airlines have their eyes on Asia.
A celebration was held at Vancouver International Airport Thursday night to mark Air Canada’s inaugural flight between YVR and Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has granted a license to WestJet for flights to Japan.
WestJet hasn’t made an announcement, but the CTA website says WestJet “has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a scheduled international service, large aircraft, in accordance with the Air Transport Agreement between Canada and Japan, signed on January 12, 1955 (Agreement).
“The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of subsection 69(1) of the CTA. The Agency also finds that the pertinent terms and conditions of the Arrangement have been complied with.
“Accordingly, the Agency issues the licence.”
WestJet recently announced a codeshare with Japan Airlines. Flights to Asia would make sense given their strength in Western Canada.
WestJet already flies to several European cities, including London and Glasgow. Their website shows flights from Calgary to both Paris and Rome next year, as well as Amsterdam. In addition, te site lists flights from Toronto to Edinburgh.
Air Canada officials said they were thrilled to launch Air Canada’s first non-stop service to Southeast Asia and the only non-stop flights between North America and Thailand.
“Bangkok is also one of the most visited destinations globally, and we have optimized connections to and from our trans-pacific hub at YVR to give customers convenient travel options to explore this exciting city renowned for its history, cuisine and culture, or to conduct international business trade,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“This new service from YVR is another step in our ambition to develop this hub into one of the most important trans-pacific gateways in North America. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.” Galardo said.
“We are thrilled that Air Canada continues to grow its transpacific hub at YVR with the introduction of their new route to Bangkok — the only direct service from North America to Thailand,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This new service will provide passengers with incredible tourism options and a broad range of business opportunities in the region. And here in British Columbia this new route will generate $2.8 million in tourism spend and $1.5 million in GDP.”
Bangkok, Thailand. Evan Krause/Unsplash Photo
International Service Highlights
At YVR, Air Canada’s Signature Suite is available to eligible customers, offering a private, premium experience prior to departure. Air Canada Chauffeur Service is offered, where eligible connecting International Air Canada Signature Class customers arriving from within Canada will be met by a Concierge before being whisked away on the tarmac in a hybrid or electric Porsche vehicle to the distinctive Air Canada Signature Suite. Chauffeur Service offers an unsurpassed airport Premium experience in Canada for International Air Canada Signature Class customers connecting through Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airports.
Air Canada has elevated its International Economy Class dining experience to reflect Canada’s culinary talent and tastes from our global network of destinations. Economy Class dining on all international flights departing Canada is being revamped to feature a hot entree created for Air Canada by renowned Montreal Chef Jérôme Ferrer, a member of Air Canada’s culinary panel. An additional appetizer reflecting destination cuisine is also being presented with all meals, and a separate dessert service will follow.
Air Canada Signature Class features culinary creations by award-winning Vancouver-based Chef David Hawksworth, which are complemented by a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.
The Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Air Canada Signature Class customers will be presented with amenity kits in partnership with Acqua Di Parma featuring stylish amenity bags containing Acqua Di Parma luxury skincare products plus an oversized eye mask, socks, dental products and 3M earplugs for additional comfort and personal care.
Customers in International Premium Economy Class will enjoy reusable amenity totes containing an eye mask, socks and dental products providing for a more refreshed journey.
All customers have the opportunity to collect and redeem Aeroplan points when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
