AIR CANADA TO LAUNCH DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN VANCOUVER AND MANILA

Air Canada has announced on Thursday, December 5, a new non-stop service between its Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). This announcement comes amidst the Government of Canada's Team Canada Trade Mission in the Philippines, marking a milestone in 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations. This strategic move introduces Air Canada's third Southeast Asia destination in just two years, including Singapore and Bangkok.

The new route will commence on April 2, 2025, with a four-times weekly schedule. Travel time is roughly 14 hours and 55 minutes. Philippine Airlines is the only other carrier that flies direct from Vancouver to Manila.

Tickets from Canada to the Philippines are already available on Air Canada's website, but bookings originating in Manila are yet to start.

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Aboard Air Canada Between Vancouver and Manila

Utilizing the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the service promises comfort across three cabins: Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. This route becomes Air Canada's 12th transpacific connection originating from Vancouver, leveraging its advantageous geographic position as the nearest major North American city to Asia.

Passengers will enjoy over 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of television shows, and over 600 hours of music and podcasts through Air Canada's award-winning in-flight entertainment system. Collaborations with Apple TV+, Audible, Disney+, and Hayu ensure a vibrant array of content, enhancing the traveler experience from takeoff to landing.

In addition, eligible customers can access the luxurious Vancouver Air Canada Signature Suite and the Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge, ensuring comfort and premium service.

Schedule of Air Canada's Vancouver - Manila Flight

• Flight AC17: From Vancouver to Manila - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, with departure time of 1:55 a.m. and arrival of 6:20 a.m. plus one day. (Effective from April 2 to April 30, 2025)
• Flight AC18: From Manila to Vancouver - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, with departure time of 9:25 a.m. and arrival of 6:20 a.m. (Effective from April 3 to May 1, 2025)
• Flight AC17: From Vancouver to Manila - Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, with departure time of 1:55 a.m. and arrival of 6:20 a.m. plus one day. (Effective from May 1, 2025)
• Flight AC18: From Manila to Vancouver - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday with departure time of 9:25 a.m. and arrival of 6:20 a.m. (Effective from May 2, 2025)

Strengthening Economic Opportunities

"We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada's Pacific gateway hub. We continue to pursue our international network strategy of expanding to large, fast-growing markets that are presently unserved directly by Air Canada. The Philippines is an important market reflecting longstanding family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities. With an extensive domestic and transborder network in Vancouver designed to connect seamlessly to our international flights, we are making travel between North America and the Philippines even more convenient for leisure and business travelers alike. It is with great excitement that we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard next spring," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, and President, Cargo at Air Canada, in a statement.

"This marks an exciting milestone between our two countries, as I lead the biggest Team Canada Trade Mission ever to the Philippines. As we mark 75 years of our diplomatic relations, these new direct flights between Vancouver and Manila will help create stronger connections and partnerships, easier travel, economic growth, and generate shared prosperity. I look forward to seeing our Canadian companies continue to develop in the Philippines through initiatives like these," added The Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada.

"We welcome today's announcement by Air Canada that it is continuing to grow its Transpacific network from Vancouver with the addition of direct service into the Philippines," said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). "This new Manila service builds on their extensive Asia network from YVR, bringing family, friends and business together and providing travelers with more choice and connections. In addition, the launch of this 14-hour non-stop service will generate $46 million in economic value to our region."

The direct flights are anticipated to generate significant economic value, estimated at $46 million, for the region. Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, acknowledged the route's crucial role in bolstering trade, investment, and tourism between Canada and the Philippines.

2024-12-06T04:09:56Z