Air Canada's Inaugural Flight from Vancouver Arrives in Dubai

AVIATION NEWS > AIR CANADA

• Four times weekly seasonal flights complement Air Canada's daily year-round service between Toronto and Dubai
• Links two global hubs, offering customers connections from across BC, Alberta, the Western US through the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and East Africa

MONTREAL, Canada (October 29, 2023) -- Air Canada's inaugural flight departed from Vancouver on Oct. 28 and has arrived in Dubai, linking Western Canada with the Middle East.

"We are very pleased to launch Air Canada's newest international route connecting Vancouver and Dubai. Not only are both cities two of the top cosmopolitan destinations worldwide renowned for their extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, entertainment and leisure adventures, this route links two global hub airports to offer customers unparalleled travel options and conveniences beyond, whether travelling for leisure, visiting friends and family, or for business. At YVR, our flights have been built to conveniently connect to and from destinations in Alberta, BC and the western USA. In Dubai in cooperation with our codeshare and frequent flyer partner Emirates, a multitude of destinations across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and East Africa are available," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.

"Dubai is an exciting destination for non-stop service to YVR. While exciting in its own right, this new Dubai service will also facilitate connections between Vancouver and the region, India and North Africa," said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "I would like to thank Air Canada for their continued investment in YVR as their premier transpacific hub. We are thrilled to welcome this new route and connect Western Canada with the United Arab Emirates for the benefit of our community and the economy that supports it."

"Dubai Airports is delighted to welcome the addition of Vancouver to our continuously growing list of international destinations, made possible by the introduction of Air Canada's new service. With convenient departures from Dubai International (DXB), Air Canada's new flights provide a seamless link between the Canadian West Coast and Dubai. This expansion complements Air Canada's existing daily service between DXB and Toronto, and reaffirms our commitment to bringing more guests to Dubai, as well as expand our growing global connectivity," said Rob Whitehouse, Vice President of Research at Dubai Airports.

Route	Flight No.	Dep/Arr	Days of Operation	Flight Begins
YVR-DXB	AC78	21:15/00:05	Mo/Tu/Th/Sa	Oct. 28, 2023
DXB-YVR	AC79	02:05/05:55	Mo/We/Th/Sa	Oct. 30, 2023

Air Canada's international services

Air Canada's international onboard services showcase some of Canada's best culinary talent through Air Canada's panel of celebrated chefs, comprising award-winning, Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij, and renowned Montreal chefs Antonio Park and Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.

Customers have opportunities to collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada's leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits including Air Canada's exclusive Signature Suite at YVR.

The Vancouver and Dubai flights are operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft featuring three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Travelling internationally?

Visit Air Canada's Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.