Air Canada restarts Brisbane–Vancouver direct service

The first 787-9, C-FVNB, departed the Queensland capital on 3 July at 11:22 am as flight AC36 and landed in the British Columbia seaport at 7:31 am local time the next day.

The Canadian flag carrier will now operate the service four times per week, with plans to increase the frequency to five in December.

Air Canada’s general manager for ANZAC, Vic Naughton, added the route is significant because it offers passengers the chance to continue on to cities across Canada without rechecking baggage or passing through extra security checks.

“Passengers continuing on to the United States also don’t need to collect and recheck bags in transit, unlike when transiting through US airports,” said Naughton.

“They simply pass through YVR’s US immigration and customs clearance facilities, then continue on to their final destination. That’s how Air Canada is able to once again able offer the fastest service between Brisbane and New York, as well as other US cities like Seattle.”

Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said Brisbane-Vancouver flights will deliver 60,000 tourists each year between the two countries.

VIEW ALL

“They’ll enable Queensland farmers to export meat and fresh produce direct to Vancouver and beyond,” said de Graaf.

“Previously, perishable goods had to travel via Sydney which extended delivery times. Air Canada’s 787-9 can carry up to 11 tonnes of cargo, which Queensland exporters will be able to take advantage of.”

“The Sunshine State also relies on Canada for crucial parts to keep our economy moving. Queensland Rail’s Next Generation Rolling Stock, the Gold Coast Light Rail, and many aircraft servicing the state’s regional airports rely on the fast delivery of parts from Canada.”

Air Canada also announced it’s now operating 10 flights each week between Sydney and Vancouver and plans to return to Auckland in mid-November.

Last week, Australian Aviation featured Air Canada pilot Doug Morris on our podcast.

The 787 captain revealed the trade secrets of flying long haul — everything you wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask.

He also talked to host Adam Thorn about his passion for flying, navigating COVID, and what’s in store for the industry in a post-pandemic world.

You can listen to the episode on the player at the top of this page, or on your device via this link.