VANCOUVER- Air Canada (AC) is launching non-stop flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in the Philippines.
The announcement coincides with the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission, commemorating 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.
Air Canada Vancouver to Manila
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning, emphasized the significance of this new route. The Philippines represents a critical market with strong family connections, burgeoning business opportunities, and expanding tourism potential. Vancouver’s comprehensive domestic and transborder network will facilitate seamless international travel connections.
As the sole Canadian carrier serving the Philippines, Air Canada is addressing a substantial market gap. The new route will commence operations on April 2, 2025, with four weekly flights utilizing the airline’s advanced Dreamliner aircraft.
This addition represents the company’s 12th transpacific route from Vancouver, leveraging the city’s strategic geographic proximity to Asia.
The launch underscores Air Canada’s commitment to expanding its presence in high-growth Southeast Asian markets.
Following recent route additions to Singapore and Bangkok, the airline will offer over 180 weekly Pacific flights next summer—the most non-stop services in the market. This expansion effectively doubles the carrier’s summer season seat capacity across the Pacific since 2022.
Bookings for these flights are now available on the official site and app.
75 years of Diplomatic Relations
Air Canada will operate the Vancouver-Manila route using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, providing travelers with three distinct service classes: Signature Class featuring lie-flat seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
The in-flight entertainment system offers an extensive content library of 1,400 hours of movies, 1,900 hours of television shows, and 600 hours of music and podcasts, with live TV available at select seats.
The airline’s award-winning entertainment platform integrates content from leading providers including Apple TV+, Audible, Disney+, and Hayu. Passengers can access a diverse range of multimedia content in multiple languages throughout their flight, ensuring a comprehensive entertainment experience from boarding to landing.
Eligible customers will enjoy premium pre-flight amenities at the Vancouver Air Canada Signature Suite, which offers curated dining and premium beverage options in an exclusive airport environment. Additionally, travelers can access the Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge, enhancing the pre-flight experience.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) offers the added convenience of in-transit customs pre-clearance for international connecting passengers.
The new route strategically enables seamless connections to over 50 North American destinations through Air Canada’s YVR hub, maximizing travel flexibility for passengers.
Executive Remarks
Canadian leaders unanimously praised Air Canada’s new direct Vancouver-Manila route as a strategic advancement in bilateral relations. Minister of Export Promotion Mary Ng characterized the new flight as a pivotal milestone in Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations, emphasizing its potential to generate economic growth and strengthen international partnerships.
British Columbia Premier David Eby highlighted the route’s significance for the province’s substantial Filipino Canadian community, noting its importance in maintaining familial connections and facilitating business and trade opportunities between the two regions.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim welcomed the route as a meaningful connection for the city’s Filipino community, recognizing its potential to ease family reunions and cultural exchanges. The direct, year-round service represents a significant breakthrough in international connectivity.
Vancouver International Airport President Tamara Vrooman emphasized the economic implications, projecting the new service will generate $46 million in regional economic value. The 14-hour non-stop flight expands travel choices and enhances connectivity between Canada and the Philippines.
Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada underscored the route’s strategic importance, describing it as a critical link for businesspeople, families, students, and tourists. The service will deepen people-to-people connections and support Canada’s engagement with Southeast Asian economies.
Bridgitte Anderson of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade highlighted the economic context, noting that Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade reached $3.4 billion in 2023. The new route is expected to further bolster trade, investment, and tourism, contributing to a sustainable and thriving economic relationship.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
