CALGARY, Nov. 10, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that it is boosting its international flights from Calgary to Tokyo and Frankfurt, further strengthening its global network.  Effective April 27, 2012, Air Canada will increase its Calgary-Tokyo non-stop summer service to five weekly flights as it takes steps towards continuing the non-stop service on a year-round basis, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals in Japan. In addition, beginning February 4, 2012, the carrier will operate its non-stop daily flights from Calgary to Frankfurt with larger 265-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft year-round, representing an increase of 25 per cent more seats during the winter than the Boeing 767-300ER it currently operates on the route.

"We are pleased to increase our international flights from Calgary reflecting worldwide demand to and from Alberta's energy centre," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.  "Air Canada's flights linking Calgary non-stop to the UK, Europe and Asia all feature Executive First lie-flat bed suites and leading personal in-flight entertainment throughout the aircraft.  Demand for Air Canada's non-stop Calgary-Tokyo Narita service has been strong from business and leisure travelers as well as freight forwarders over the past year and we look forward to being able to maintain a year-round schedule, pending approvals in Japan."

Air Canada's increased scheduled of Calgary-Tokyo flights will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, departing Calgary at 12:45 p.m. and arriving in Tokyo the following day at 2:25 p.m.  Flights will depart Tokyo on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 4:00 p.m., arriving Calgary same day at 10:40 a.m.

Calgary-Tokyo non-stop service complements Air Canada's daily year-round Vancouver-Tokyo and Toronto-Tokyo non-stop flights, both operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This summer, the carrier will offer 19 flights each week from Canada to Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Air Canada's non-stop services to Tokyo and Frankfurt offer a multitude of connecting flights with its Star Alliance partners to key destinations via Asia, including: Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and several points across Japan, and via Europe to: Delhi, Mumbai, Amsterdam, Budapest, Milan and other destinations.

Air Canada operates its Calgary-Frankfurt flights and its Calgary-Tokyo flights with 265-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft and 211-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft respectively, both offering a choice of Economy Class and Executive First service featuring lie-flat bed suites. Further details and a virtual tour of Air Canada's cabin amenities including complimentary personal seatback entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft are available at:  http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/cabincomfort.html

This summer from Calgary, Air Canada will offer up to 126 daily flights including three international flights to London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Tokyo Narita, four weekly flights to the Caribbean and Mexico,10 daily transborder flights and 110 daily domestic flights.

About Air Canada

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 180 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves over 32 million customers annually. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 63 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 1,185 destinations in 185 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.  For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com and follow @AirCanada on Twitter and Facebook.