New Dreamliner route drives international expansion from Toronto global hub

MONTREAL, Dec. 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today said that it will begin non-stop service from Toronto to Delhi beginning in November 2015. The new route, the first to be dedicated for Air Canada's Boeing 787-9 series aircraft, will open new opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, currently the largest international market not served by Air Canada.

"Air Canada's strategy to grow its Toronto Pearson hub and international presence is taking a major step forward with the addition of Delhi to our extensive global network. We will be offering the only non-stop flight from Canada to India using our newest Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are revolutionizing long-haul air travel. The operating economics of these new aircraft make this service feasible and it will be the first route dedicated to the larger, 787-9 version of this aircraft, which begin entering our fleet in 2015," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

"This service will appeal both to customers visiting and doing business in Delhi, the capital region of India and the fourth most populous urban area in the world, and to those customers making onward connections within India and throughout Southeast Asia on our Star Alliance partner, Air India, or other interline partners," said Mr. Rovinescu.

"This government is committed to helping the Canadian air industry increase its access to international markets. Opening markets in India and continuing to facilitate travel for Canada's Indian Community, not only benefits our air sector and promotes increased trade, but travellers will now have more options to connect with friends and loved ones," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.

"Canada and India are committed to strengthening economic and other ties and in a globalized world non-stop air linkages are vital to achieving such goals. Air Canada's new service will facilitate business relationships and promote increased trade by connecting both countries' largest urban centres. Given our country's vibrant and thriving Indo-Canadian community, the route will also make it easier for families and friends to visit one another and remain connected," said Nadir Patel, Canada's new high commissioner in the Republic of India.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 9, 2014 and the service will operate four-times-weekly beginning Nov. 1, 2015 using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring Air Canada's award-winning, three-cabin service, including the next generation lie-flat seat in International Business Class, a Premium Economy cabin, and 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 Toronto, priority boarding and other benefits.

Flights are timed for convenient connections both within Air Canada's North American network and in India on Air India or other interline partners to such cities as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and to other destinations throughout Southeast Asia. Including Delhi, Air Canada serves or has announced service to a total of 65 international destinations on five continents from its Toronto global hub.

All flights operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner except where noted by (*) which are Boeing 787-8 service

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 180 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2013 served more than 35 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 73 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,316 airports in 192 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2014 for the fifth consecutive year.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com.

SOURCE Air Canada - Route & Network