Just weeks out from the commencement of new year-round services linking Vancouver with Melbourne, and citing strong forward demand, Air Canada has confirmed it will boost frequencies from three to four times weekly towards the end of this year. The move is part of Air Canada’s medium-term strategy to eventually take the Melbourne route daily, said Air Canada’s general manager Australia/New Zealand Vic Naughton.
Air Canada introduced seasonal non-stop flights to Melbourne over the recent Northern winter season (from December through early February), but from 3 June will fly year-round, cementing the Victorian capital as its third Australian gateway. From 5 November, it will induct a fourth weekly frequency.
The change will see AC’s weekly schedule from Melbourne shuffle from its initial Tue/Fri/Sun departures to Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun.
Naughton heaped praise on agents for endorsing the new route, saying “our Australian trade performance has been amazing and they are really backing it”.
“On our sales calls, every shop we visit is aware of the route and were excited for its launch.”
Sales were particularly strong on the Newark route from Melbourne, through Vancouver, with Naughton saying Victorians are relishing not having to transit via Sydney or Los Angeles.
