Air Canada has announced the launch of non-stop flights between
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Singapore's Changi
International Airport (SIN), becoming the only airline to offer direct
service from Canada to Singapore.
The new route, set to commence on 3 April 2024, will operate four
times weekly under Air Canada's Dreamliner fleet. The flights will
provide enhanced connectivity options for travellers, allowing
convenient connections to destinations across North America through
Vancouver and access to Southeast Asia, Southern India, and Western
Australia via Singapore.
The strategic expansion of Air Canada's international network aims to
capitalise on evolving global trends and strengthen its presence in the
Indo-Pacific region.
Mark Galardo, executive vice president, revenue and network planning
at Air Canada, highlighted Singapore's status as a top global financial
centre and a multicultural destination with abundant tourism and
culinary experiences. The new route is expected to attract international
business travellers, holidaymakers, and those visiting friends and
family.
The flight schedule has been designed to facilitate seamless
connections to and from destinations across North America via Air
Canada's hub at YVR. Additionally, travellers can connect to various
Southeast Asian, South Indian, and Western Australian destinations
through Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines.
The non-stop flights will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner
aircraft, featuring three cabin classes: Signature Class with lie-flat
seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Various officials and organisations have expressed excitement about
the new route's potential economic and cultural benefits. British
Columbia Premier David Eby highlighted the growth in jobs and
opportunities resulting from increased direct access to Singapore.
Meanwhile, Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Government of Canada,
emphasised the route's contribution to keeping Canada's air sector
competitive.
Changi Airport Group's Lim Ching Kiat and Singapore Tourism Board's
Rachel Loh praised the connectivity and convenience the new service will
provide, while Vancouver Airport Authority's Tamara Vrooman highlighted
the increased access to Indo-Pacific markets. The Greater Vancouver
Board of Trade's Bridgitte Anderson and the Asia Pacific Foundation of
Canada's Jeff Nankivell emphasised the positive impact on trade,
tourism, and cultural exchanges.