Kia Ora! Air Canada to Launch Seasonal Flights to Vancouver, Canada from Auckland

Air Canada today announced the addition of new, non-stop, seasonal flights between Auckland and Vancouver, Canada.  Air Canada’s flights to Vancouver will operate four times weekly onboard the carrier’s state-of-the-art flagship Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft beginning December 14, 2019 until the end of March 2020, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals.

Air Canada has also finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand to pursue expanding its current alliance arrangement to strategically cooperate in the form of a Joint Venture, subject to Air Canada and Air New Zealand making the necessary filings, obtaining competition and other regulatory approvals and finalizing documentation. A deeper, more integrated partnership will provide greater customer choice, comprehensive benefits and an expanded trans-Pacific network.

“We are delighted to add Auckland as we continue strategically expanding Air Canada’s international network and increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific market,” said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. “The launch of our Auckland service in December will be of particular interest to New Zealanders travelling for a Canadian winter vacation, and to North Americans travelling to enjoy New Zealand’s vibrant multicultural urban and natural attractions during their summer season.

“We have timed our Auckland flights to conveniently connect at our YVR trans-Pacific hub to and from a multitude of non-stop destinations throughout North America including New York-Newark.  Our Dreamliners, featuring our Signature Service, together with the seamless connections through in-transit preclearance facilities and competitive elapsed travel times, position Air Canada and YVR as a preferred trans-Pacific option for travel.”

“Air Canada and Air New Zealand already have a close partnership, having been codeshare and Star Alliance partners for more than 20 years. We look forward to deepening our relationship and optimizing our far-reaching trans-Pacific network cooperation, offering our customers a choice of more flights, connections and travel opportunities,” added John MacLeod, Vice President, Global Sales and Alliances at Air Canada.

“We are thrilled Air Canada has added this new direct flight from Vancouver to Auckland,” said Lisa Beare, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Vancouver is a great place to start a made-in B.C. adventure and we look forward to welcoming more travellers from New Zealand to discover all that British Columbia offers in the winter and spring.”

New Zealand Minister of Tourism, Hon. Kelvin Davis, also welcomed the new link.

“This new non-stop service between Vancouver and Auckland will further deepen the connections between our countries and strengthen our tourism links,” said Davis. “More and more Canadians are choosing to visit New Zealand to experience our culture, scenery and Kiwi hospitality. 71,000 Canadians visited New Zealand in 2018, staying on average for 19 days and making an important contribution to the New Zealand economy. In addition to tourism links, Canada is one of New Zealand’s closest international partners. Both countries are members of the recently implemented CPTPP free trade agreement.”

When travelling with Air Canada, customers – including those on the new Auckland-Vancouver seasonal service – can collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through Canada’s leading loyalty program. Eligible customers will also enjoy access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.