Air Canada jetliner
(Source: Air Canada)
  • Air Canada (TSX:AC) announced it will increase direct flights between China and Canada starting in December
  • This move follows the recent decision by Ottawa to lift the 2022 restrictions on the number of services Chinese carriers could operate to Canada
  • The removal of the flight cap is expected to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen economic ties
  • Air Canada stock last traded at C$19.16 per share

Air Canada (TSX:AC) announced Wednesday it will increase direct flights between China and Canada starting in December.

This move follows the recent decision by Ottawa to lift the 2022 restrictions on the number of services Chinese carriers could operate to Canada. Vancouver to Beijing daily service will resume Jan. 15, 2025.

“We are resuming our non-stop services between Canada and Beijing and increasing our flights between Canada and Shanghai, reflecting the importance of these markets in Air Canada’s global network,” Air Canada’s executive vice president – revenue and network planning, Mark Galardo, said in a news release. “With the investments we have made at our YVR hub linking Air Canada’s extensive North American network to our international flights, travelling between North America and Asia is convenient and compelling for leisure and business travellers alike. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard our flights.”

Shanghai schedule:

Flight #

Departs

Arrives

Aircraft

Schedule

AC025

YVR at 11:15

PVG at 16:00 +1 day

787 Dreamliner

Currently operates Tue, Thur, Fri, Sun.
Daily flights begin Dec. 7

AC026

PVG at 17:50

YVR at 12:10

787 Dreamliner

Currently operates Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat.
Daily flights begin Dec. 8

Beijing schedule:

Flight #

Departs

Arrives

Aircraft

Schedule

AC029

YVR at 11:40

PEK at 17:00 +1 day

787 Dreamliner

Daily beginning Jan. 15, 2025

AC030

PEK at 18:55

YVR at 14:05

787 Dreamliner

Daily beginning Jan. 16, 2025

The news, first reported by the news arm of China’s aviation regulator, highlights a positive shift in aviation relations between the two countries. The removal of the flight cap is expected to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen economic ties.

Air Canada’s expanded service will provide more options for travellers and is anticipated to meet the growing demand for direct routes between the two nations. This increase in flights is also seen as a step towards normalizing post-pandemic travel and fostering greater international cooperation.

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline with a presence in more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and internationally across six continents. The airline and Air Canada Rouge operate close to 670 daily flights on average and carry more than 110,000 passengers within Canada or internationally.

Air Canada stock (TSX:AC) last traded at C$19.16 per share and has ascended 2.51 per cent since the year began.

Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about this airline stock on the Air Canada Bullboard, and check out Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.

The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.

(Top photo via Air Canada)


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