Air Canada to Launch Flights Between Vancouver and Auckland, New Zealand

Air Canada has unveiled plans to launch non-stop, seasonal flights between Vancouver and Auckland, New Zealand.

Air Canada's flights to Auckland will operate four times weekly with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft beginning 12 December 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 co-operate 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.

"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. The launch of 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," said Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. "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."

New Zealand Minister of Tourism, Hon. Kelvin Davis, said, "This new non-stop service between Vancouver and Auckland will further deepen the connections between our countries and strengthen our tourism links. 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."

Customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through Canada's leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.

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