Air Canada Expands China Service For Summer

Air Canada is smoothing the route to Asia this summer by doubling its daily Beijing-Vancouver service and increasing the frequencies of its Shanghai-Toronto non-stop flights.

"Air Canada is securing its position as the leading North American carrier to China this summer by adding a second daily Beijing-Vancouver flight and improving its Shanghai-Toronto schedule. These added flights represent nearly a 50 per cent capacity increase for the growing Chinese market, which continues to thrive due to strength in both leisure and business travel," said Daniel Shurz, Vice President, Network Planning, at Air Canada. "With these enhancements Air Canada strengthens its position as the carrier with the most frequencies between China and Vancouver and as the only airline with non-stop service from eastern Canada to China."

The added Beijing-Vancouver daily flight will operate between July 2 and October 1, using a 211-seat Boeing 767-300 aircraft. The Shanghai-Toronto service will begin April 13 with service three days a week. Effective July 1, it will increase to daily service starting for the summer peak and continue as a three-day-a-week service for the 2007-2008 winter schedule.

In total, Air Canada will operate five daily non-stops between China and Canada this summer, the most of any airline. Customers will have the opportunity to enjoy Air Canada's premium Executive First Service, including lie-flat seats on new Boeing 777 aircraft on select flights (between Beijing and Toronto), take advantage of Aeroplan membership, and benefit from convenient connections made possible by Air Canada's extensive North American and international network.

Montreal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 30 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of 335 aircraft. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world's most comprehensive air transportation network.