Highlights of Air Canada’s global network between India and Canada:
- Delhi – daily flights from Toronto, and beginning October, 2016 - three times weekly seasonal flights from Vancouver Toronto non-stop service resumed in 2015
- Mumbai – three times weekly flights from Toronto beginning 2017
Air Canada’s inaugural flight AC72 departs tonight from Vancouver and arrives in Delhi Saturday morning, marking the only non-stop service linking Vancouver and the Indian subcontinent.
“We are delighted to inaugurate our second route between Canada and India right in time for Diwali celebrations. Our non-stop flights from our Asia-Pacific Vancouver hub feature 787-9 Dreamliner service and offer the shortest elapsed flying time from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles to the Indian subcontinent,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. “Our non-stop flight, coupled with our streamlined and seamless connections process at YVR translates to a savings of 3-5 hours compared to itineraries with connections in Europe or Asia.
All Air Canada fights to India will feature modern Indian cuisine developed by celebrated Vancouver Chef Vikram Vij. “We’re also excited to offer all our customers contemporary, inspired Indian dishes by celebrated Vancouver Chef Vikram Vij in all cabins of service on our Vancouver-Delhi and Toronto-Delhi flights, which complements the signature creations by internationally renowned Canadian Chef David Hawksworth in our International Business Class. Our state-of-the-art aircraft, multi-lingual crews, onboard offerings, in-flight entertainment which includes Bollywood hits and acclaimed multi-lingual art-house films, together with our extensive western Canada domestic and western US transborder network and the seamless connection experience through YVR all position Air Canada and YVR to be the preferred gateway hub for Pacific Northwest travel to and from India,” concluded Mr. Smith.
The new Vancouver-Delhi service is part of Air Canada's ongoing international expansion this year, following the recent launch of Vancouver-Brisbane, Vancouver-Dublin, Toronto-Seoul, Toronto-London Gatwick, Toronto-Prague, Toronto-Budapest, Toronto-Warsaw, Toronto-Glasgow, Montreal-Casablanca and Montreal-Lyon. Air Canada operates more non-stop flights on more routes between Canada and India than any other carrier, with up to 10 non-stop flights each week between Canada, Delhi and Mumbai (launching July 2017).
“Thanks to Air Canada’s commitment to growth out of its preferred transpacific hub, YVR has a direct link to one of the most iconic cultural centres and economic hubs in India,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This service has long been requested by our community. The much coveted route opens up access to key markets in business and travel and creates more jobs and opportunities for our communities.”
Air Canada’s Vancouver-Delhi flights are operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s award-winning, three-cabin service configured with 30 International Business Class individual lie-flat suites, 21 Premium Economy seats and 247 Economy Class seats. Air Canada’s Dreamliners feature its enhanced seatback In-Flight Entertainment system, available at every seat throughout the aircraft. Flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access in Vancouver, priority boarding and other benefits.
“The BC India Business Network is absolutely thrilled that Air Canada has a direct flight between Vancouver and Delhi,” stated Douglas Nazareth, Director, Finance at the BC-India Business Network. “Our members appreciate the fact that they not only save a minimum of 8 hours off their journey but also arrive fresh on the other end thanks to the technology of the new Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Our President is on the inaugural flight and many of us will patronize this route.”
