MONTREAL, Sept. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that it is boosting international flights from Vancouver to Asia beginning this coming winter season. The airline also welcomed Premier Campbell's announcement of his government's commitment in proposing legislation to eliminate the provincial aviation fuel tax for international flights from British Columbia.

"Air Canada is significantly increasing international flights from Vancouver, our second largest hub. We will be flying daily non-stop to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, representing an increase in capacity of 17 per cent compared to last winter. With our recently announced new daily non-stop flights to Mexico City and to Tokyo Haneda, plus boosting all international flights to daily non-stop service, Air Canada is increasing its international capacity from Vancouver by 15 per cent this coming winter from a year ago," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

"We applaud the BC government for their action towards eliminating the provincial aviation fuel tax on international flights. In addition, we thank the Vancouver Airport Authority for their initiative to hold in line landing and terminal fees for a five-year period as we introduce these new services. Following the example set by BC and in 2004 by Alberta, we urge all governments and authorities to work with the industry as partners in the development of sustainable air services with the economic spin-offs that result."

This winter from Vancouver, Air Canada will offer daily non-stop flights to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda (beginning January 29, 2011), Seoul, Sydney Australia, London Heathrow, and Mexico City (weekend service begins November 1, with daily flights effective December 1, 2010). Daily non-stop flights to Frankfurt and three times weekly non-stop flights to Auckland are offered on a code-share basis with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Air New Zealand, respectively.

Air Canada was named Best Airline North America in a worldwide survey of more than 17 million air travelers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax for its 2010 World Airline Awards. Air Canada also won four top honours in Business Traveler magazine's "Best in Business Travel" 2009 annual reader survey: "Best Flight Attendants in North America," "Best In-flight Services in North America," "Best North America Airline for Business Class Service," and "Best North American Airline for International Travel." In 2009 as well, the readers of Global Travel magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in Canada" and "Best Airline in North America."

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 31 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 destinations in Canada, 59 in the United States and 60 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 1,167 destinations in 181 countries. Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada's leading loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services.