Air Canada is introducing a non-stop seasonal service from Vancouver to Delhi, India beginning October 20, 2016 and ending on April 8, 2017. The announcement was applauded by both the British Columbia government and the Canadian-Indian Business Council.
The seasonal, three-times weekly service complements the carrier’s Toronto-Delhi non-stop service launched last fall. The flights will operate on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which features 30 International Business Class lie-flat pod suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat.
“Customer response to our Toronto-Delhi service has been extremely positive, and with this new seasonal Vancouver route, we are strategically increasing our presence in the important Asia-Pacific market,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines, Air Canada.
He explained that the operating economics of the Dreamliner and the Vancouver Airport Authority’s ability to keep its operating costs at levels among the lowest in Canada, have enabled Air Canada to grow its Vancouver hub. “Together with our extensive western Canada domestic and western US transborder network combined with the seamless connection experience through YVR’s US in-transit pre-clearance facilities, position YVR to be the preferred gateway hub for trans-Pacific travel to and from North America,” he added.
“We are thrilled that Air Canada is launching non-stop service between Delhi and Vancouver later this year,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO at YVR. “Our community has requested this route for many years and it will be a pleasure to celebrate its arrival during Diwali. I would like to thank our long-standing partner Air Canada for opening up this exciting new route and for supporting us in our vision to be a world-class, sustainable connecting hub between Asia and the Americas.”
The new service was also applauded by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, who explained that the province’s cultural ties with India go back over 100 years, and that with increasing trade and investment links, those ties are growing stronger every year. “Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Delhi route reflects the increasing importance of our relationship with India,” he said.
“The Canada-India Business Council is thrilled to hear that Air Canada will be offering yet another direct service to India via Vancouver. These direct routes facilitate speedy travel for those considering and currently doing business in India,” commented Gary Comerford, president and CEO, Canada-India Business Council.
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