AIR Canada on Thursday said that it will begin non-stop service from Toronto to Delhi beginning in November 2015.
The new route, the first to be dedicated for Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 series aircraft, will open new opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, currently the largest international market not served by Air Canada.
“Air Canada’s strategy to grow its Toronto Pearson hub and international presence is taking a major step forward with the addition of Delhi to our extensive global network. We will be offering the only non-stop flight from Canada to India using our newest Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are revolutionizing long-haul air travel. The operating economics of these new aircraft make this service feasible and it will be the first route dedicated to the larger, 787-9 version of this aircraft, which begin entering our fleet in 2015,” said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
“This service will appeal both to customers visiting and doing business in Delhi, the capital region of India and the fourth most populous urban area in the world, and to those customers making onward connections within India and throughout Southeast Asia on our Star Alliance partner, Air India, or other interline partners.”
“This government is committed to helping the Canadian air industry increase its access to international markets. Opening markets in India and continuing to facilitate travel for Canada’s Indian Community, not only benefits our air sector and promotes increased trade, but travellers will now have more options to connect with friends and loved ones,” said federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt.
“Canada and India are committed to strengthening economic and other ties and in a globalized world non-stop air linkages are vital to achieving such goals. Air Canada’s new service will facilitate business relationships and promote increased trade by connecting both countries’ largest urban centres. Given our country’s vibrant and thriving Indo-Canadian community, the route will also make it easier for families and friends to visit one another and remain connected,” said Nadir Patel, Canada’s new High Commissioner in India.
Tickets go on sale December 9, 2014, and the service will operate four-times-weekly beginning November 1, 2015 using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring Air Canada’s award-winning, three-cabin service, including the next generation lie-flat seat in International Business Class, a Premium Economy cabin, and enhanced seatback In-Flight Entertainment system available at every seat throughout the aircraft. Flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto, priority boarding and other benefits.
Flights are timed for convenient connections both within Air Canada’s North American network and in India on Air India or other interline partners to such cities as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and to other destinations throughout Southeast Asia. Including Delhi, Air Canada serves or has announced service to a total of 65 international destinations on five continents from its Toronto global hub.
* Flight AC050 – Toronto to Delhi – Depart 20:55 – Arrive 21:15 (+ 1 day) – Monday*, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
* Flight AC051 – Delhi to Toronto – Depart 00:45 – Arrive 05:00 – Tuesday, Wednesday*,Thursday, Sunday
All flights operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner except where noted by (*) which are Boeing 787-8 service
