NEW NON-STOP FLIGHTS BRING CANADA CLOSER

Air Canada will become the only airline in the world offering non-stop flights between Australia and Canada on December 16 when it launches daily 777-300ER services between Sydney and Vancouver. 

The airline's non-stop flights will cut more than three hours off the current one-stop service via Honolulu and enable travellers to avoid US Customs and Security procedures.  

The new direct services are also timed to offer Australian travellers a wide range of efficient connections to and from points throughout North America. 

Air Canada will operate the route using B777-300ER aircraft - configured with 42 Executive First Suites and 307 Economy Class seats - until February 1, 2008 when it introduces new B777-200LR aircraft offering 42 Executive First Suites and 228 Economy Class seats. 

Configured in a herringbone layout that gives each passenger aisle access, Executive First Suites incorporate Air Canada’s new private and spacious lie-flat beds.  

Each suite is also equipped with convenient work surfaces, a 12.1” individual video screen, a wide selection of on-demand entertainment, guest seating, plentiful storage space and a host of other features.  

All customers will experience digital quality personal seatback entertainment systems with 80 hours of video and 50 hours of audio-on-demand. Air Canada has also enhanced seat comfort for economy class passengers by introducing a spacious 31-33 inch seat pitch and adjustable head and foot rests. 

General Manager Australia and New Zealand Jeannie Foster said Australian business and leisure travellers would benefit from the new non-stop service. 

“The fact that Air Canada’s flights will deliver passengers faster than any other airline is a significant advantage, but this development is about more than just speed,” Foster said. 

“Bypassing US customs and immigration will remove a major hassle for Australian travellers and our new world-class in-flight products and services will ensure all passengers travel in comfort.” 

Foster said the introduction of non-stop flights would also establish Vancouver as a genuine alternative gateway to the US, with passenger arriving at the airport given the option of bypassing Canadian officials and proceeding straight through US customs.  

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