Gatineau, January 17, 2024 – Canadian Transportation Agency
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has updated the list of large and small airlines for 2024.
According to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, large airlines are those that have carried more than two million passengers in each of the two preceding years. All other airlines are considered small.
This designation has an impact on the requirements that apply to airlines. Specifically for small airlines, these requirements will be different with regards to:
compensation
rebooking
refunds
How airline size is determined
Large airlines within the meaning of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations are those that have carried more than two million passengers in each of the two preceding years. All other airlines are considered small.
Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing Airlines, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines are considered large airlines.
Lynx, Canada Jetlines, Canadian North and all other Canadian airlinesare currently considered small.
The size of the airline is listed in the terms and conditions of your ticket (the airline’s tariff).
Small airlines carrying passengers for large airlines
If a small airline is carrying passengers on behalf of a large airline under a contract, they would have to follow the large carrier obligations for those passengers. This includes, for example, situations where a small airline is operating a flight, but some or all the passengers on the flight have bought the ticket from another large airline (code share or capacity purchase agreement).
Usually, the ticket and/or itinerary will show you which airline sold the ticket and which airline is operating the flight. You can tell who issued the ticket by looking at the first two letters of the flight number (these letters represent the unique two-letter code of the airline that sold the ticket).
Accessible transportation
The Canadian Transportation Agency has a mandate to protect the fundamental right of persons with disabilities to accessible transportation services. For issues relating to accessibility, the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) defines a large airline as an air carrier that provides passenger services within and to and from Canada and that transported a worldwide total of 1,000,000 passengers or more during each of the two preceding calendar years. Air Canada (including Jazz and Rouge), WestJet, Sunwing Airlines, Air Transat, Flair Airlines and Canadian North are considered large airlines for the ATPDR.
Air Canada is the first winner of new global award for family friendly travel
Best Airline in Canada
Best Airline Staff in Canada
Air Canada Rouge Best Low-Cost Airline in Canada
MONTREAL, June 20, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada has been recognized as the world’s most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards presented at the Paris Air Show. The carrier was also named the Best Airline in Canada, its employees won for Best Airline Staff in Canada, and Air Canada Rouge was declared the Best Low-Cost Airline in Canada.
Air Canada has been recognized as the world’s most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards presented at the Paris Air Show. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“These awards recognize Air Canada’s industry leadership in Canada and the world. But the real winners are our employees, who work very hard every day taking care of our customers and delivering them safely to their destinations. I thank our employees for their dedication, and I also thank our customers for acknowledging their work by participating in the 2023 Skytrax awards survey, which garnered more than 20 million submissions worldwide,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
Among the awards given to Air Canada at the ceremony was a new global award for family friendly travel. Skytrax cited Air Canada’s work in family seating policies, dedicated family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, children’s amenities / toys / activity packs, child specific onboard entertainment, free checked luggage and policies for carrycot / pushchairs, and the standard of service assistance from ground staff and cabin crew during the travel experience.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with the inaugural Skytrax award for Most Family Friendly Airline. Air Canada takes pride in connecting family and loved ones through travel where celebrations and life-long memories are made. We’re continuing to introduce still more family-focused initiatives through our onboard products, services and Aeroplan Family Sharing, and we look forward to welcoming even more families onboard throughout our global network,” said Mr. Rousseau.
About the Skytrax World Airline Awards
The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that is truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as “the Oscars of the aviation industry“. The online customer survey operated from September 2022 to May 2023, together with invitations sent to previous year respondents in the survey database. The customer survey was provided in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. Over 100 customer nationalities participated in the 2022/2023 survey with 20.23 million eligible entries counted in the results. Survey entries are screened to identify IP and user information, with all duplicate, suspect or ineligible entries deleted. All costs of the Survey and Awards event are paid by Skytrax, and airlines do not pay any entry or registration fee. There are no charges for use of the Award logos and results.
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 has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Passengers flying with Air Canada are often confused by its different brands. Air Canada Rouge is the most notable of these. It is a separately registered airline but a subsidiary of Air Canada. Flights are often integrated into Air Canada itineraries, but separate bookings can be lower priced. The main differences are typical of other low-cost airlines – with more densely packed seating and fewer onboard inclusions.
Air Canada Rouge A321. Photo: Air Canada
Other brands from Air Canada
Air Canada operates several subsidiaries and other brands. Air Canada Express is a brand used for feeder flights operated by a separate regional airline. Air Canada Jetz operates a small fleet of business-class configured Airbus A319s for private hire. Air Canada Cargo usurpingly handles cargo operations. There have also been a number of previous brands, including Air Canada Tango and Zip.
Air Canada Jetz offers the A319 for charter hire. Photo: Air Canada
Integrated airline
Air Canada Rouge is a separate airline but is fully integrated into the Air Canada network. Flights are technically operated as codeshares (as Air Canada Rouge is registered as a separate airline). They carry Air Canada ‘AC’ flight numbers but will be marked on schedules as “operated by Air Canada Rouge.” Air Canada is a member of Star Alliance, and Air Canada Rouge is an affiliate member. Miles are earned on Air Canada Rouge flights in the Air Canada Aeroplan scheme, and they share the Maple Leaf lounges for eligible customers.
As for routes, Air Canada Rouge mainly operates routes within Canada and to the US, Central America, and the Caribbean. On several of these routes, there are choices between Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.
It previously operated several routes to Europe, but these were dropped when it retired its Boeing 767 aircraft. There is talk of European services resuming with narrowbody aircraft, but this has not happened yet.
Many itineraries will involve both airlines. Photo: Air Canada
Operating an all-Airbus narrowbody fleet
Air Canada Rouge’s fleet is very different from that of Air Canada. It currently operates an all-Airbus fleet. In its narrowbody fleet, Air Canada operates the Airbus A319, A320, A321, and A220 and the Boeing 737 MAX 8. It has more A220s and 737s still on order.
Air Canada Rouge now operates just Airbus, with 20 A319s, five A320s, and 14 A321s (according to fleet data from ch-aviation.com). It retired its Boeing 767 aircraft in 2020 (it previously operated up to 25 767s, mainly on European routes but also for a time to Japan).
Air Canada Rouge operates the A319, A320, and A321. Photo: Air Canada
As of September 2021, the fleet has just re-entered service. The airline suspended flights for a second time during the pandemic in February 2021 and is re-introducing some services from September. Whether all the aircraft return to active service remains to be seen.
The Air Canada Rouge cabin has slimline seats. Photo: Air Canada
As you would expect from a low-cost focussed airline, its aircraft are more densely configured than Air Canada’s. On the A320, for example, Air Canada Rouge fits 150 economy and 12 business class (Premium Rouge) seats. Air Canada has 132 economy and 14 business class seats on the same aircraft.
Air Canada offers a more spacious economy cabin. Photo: Air Canada
Different onboard service and ticket inclusions
Again as you would expect from a low-cost airline, services included in the ticket and offered onboard differ between the two airlines – but are better than you often receive from a low-cost airline. In economy class, meals are available to purchase with both airlines. Both airlines have the same baggage policies as well.
Air Canada offers seatback screens on most aircraft. With Rouge, there are options to stream content from your own device.
Unlike many other low-cost airlines or subsidiaries, Air Canada Rouge offers a business class product called Premium Rouge. This is more similar to that offered by Air Canada, and you will notice fewer differences if traveling this way. They both offer larger seats arranged 2-2 and include meals and drinks.
The Air Canada Premium Rouge cabin is similar to Air Canada’s regional business class. Photo: Air Canada
New seasonal service to Vancouver and Calgary begins May 2022
Air Canada continues to increase its presence in Quebec City
MONTREAL, Oct. 21, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada is pleased to announce today two new seasonal services departing from Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City: Vancouver and Calgary. Flights to Vancouver will start on May 20, 2022, with up to three flights a week and service to Calgary will debut on May 21, 2022, offering up to four weekly flights. These new routes will be operated by Air Canada Rouge on an Airbus A319, featuring Premium Rouge and Economy services, product enhancements including upgraded streaming entertainment and options to purchase high-speed wi-fi.
Services to Vancouver and Calgary are in addition to two other new routes already announced back in July to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, starting November 19 and December 17, respectively, and to the increased frequency to Punta Cana and Cancun as of December 20. Also, Air Canada’s capacity to Montreal and Toronto from Quebec City will be returning to 2019 levels by next summer, with eight and five daily flights, respectively.
“This is really exciting news for Quebec City and we are happy to offer new popular destinations to Quebecers who we know love to travel,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. “New services to Vancouver and Calgary will meet the growing demand from the Quebec City market for travel to Western Canada while at the same time allowing tourists from Western Canada to discover and enjoy Quebec City, one of the most famous destinations in the country, with its important cultural and historic sites and lovely landscapes along the St-Lawrence River in Charlevoix. This increased presence and convenient and diversified schedule also demonstrates our commitment to the people of the Capitale-Nationale and our desire to better serve the Jean Lesage International Airport, a long-time partner.”
“This is an important announcement for the citizens of the Quebec City area. Vancouver and Calgary are popular destinations and strategic hubs for Air Canada,” said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). “In recent months, the airline has not only taken the decision to quickly restore pre-pandemic routes, but also added frequencies and new destinations to the schedule starting this winter and in the summer of 2022. As part of its recovery strategy, Air Canada is investing in the growth of our market. We are confident that the people of the region will respond.”
“The Québec City’s chamber of commerce and industry is delighted to see the resumption of flights to Quebec City and the addition of new routes to such important destinations”, said Steeve Lavoie, President and CEO, Québec City’s chamber of commerce and industry. “Not only does this make it easier for our businesspeople to travel abroad, but it also allows outside business travellers to land directly in Quebec City. We hope that the business community in the region will take full advantage of these new services by Air Canada and that air service to Quebec City will only grow in the years to come!”
“The addition of these two departures from Quebec City to Western Canada is excellent news for our region”, said Robert Mercure, Director of Destination Québec Cité. “If Quebec City wishes to remain at the top of the list of the most popular destinations in Canada, as it did last summer, it is important to ensure that we offer far-reaching air service. We can only be delighted with these new non-stop services that will allow us to further develop the Canadian tourism market.”
Flight schedule – Summer 2022
Flight
From
To
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
AC 1871
Quebec City
Vancouver
09:45
12:20
Monday,Wednesday, Friday
AC 1870
Vancouver
Quebec City
13:10
21:07
AC 1873
Quebec City
Calgary
10:45
13:30
Tuesday,Thursday,Saturday, Sunday
AC 1872
Calgary
Quebec City
14:30
20:43
These flights are conveniently timed for connections onward to other destinations in Canada, the US and our international network from either Vancouver or Calgary.
Travelling internationally? Visit our 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.
Travel Policy: Book with confidence Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline and, in 2019, was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Convenient connections across Canada via airline’s Toronto global hub\
MONTREAL, October 18, 2021 – Air Canada today announced it will launch new seasonal service between Toronto and Santo Domingo as the airline continues rebuilding its North American network. Air Canada’s new Santo Domingo flights will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Dec. 16 onboard Air Canada Rouge aircraft featuring Premium Rouge and Economy services, product enhancements including upgraded streaming entertainment and options to purchase high-speed wi-fi. Seats are available for sale through all booking channels including aircanada.com and via travel agents.
“As travel restrictions ease, we are committed to rebuilding our international network to connect the world to Canada, reunite people with families, friends, and business colleagues,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada. “Our Santo Domingo flights connect to and from our flights across Canada at our Toronto global hub to offer easy and convenient access to Dominican Republic’s capital city, a destination that is steeped in rich culture, history including location of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in addition to being the country’s commercial and financial centre. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ biosafety protocols, Air Canada has health and safety as its top priority. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.”
“We are delighted to receive at SDQ this new direct flight from YYZ with Air Canada, which will allow more Canadian tourists to visit the magnificent hotels and the wide variety of recreation and entertainment options the Dominican Republic has to offer. This route will also serve the growing business and visiting friends and relatives demand; and will allow to expand the growing cargo exchange between both countries,” said Fabien Gourdon, Chief Commercial Officer of Aerodom.
Flight
Route
DepartureTime
Arrival Time
Aircraft
Day of Operation
AC1722
Toronto to Santo Domingo
09:05
14:25
Airbus A321 and A319
Tuesday, Thursday
AC1723
Santo Domingo to Toronto
15:40
19:15
Airbus A321 and A319
Tuesday, Thursday
Customers can also collect and redeem Aeroplan points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada, priority boarding and other benefits, where available.
Travelling internationally? Visit Air Canada’s Travel Ready Hub for information on the latest government entry requirements.
Foreign nationals who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior and who meet specific entry requirements may enter Canada for non-essential travel. See the Government of Canada’s full list of requirements for travellers entering Canada.
Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions which may change with little notice. Passengers 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.
Travel Policy:Book with confidence
Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, and in 2019 was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Resumed service features updated uniforms and enhanced streaming entertainment
Updated cabin interior to be available on select aircraft starting this fall
MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada’s leisure airline, resumed service today with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September, including Cancun and Tampa.
“Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada’s overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends. Air Canada’s leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft,” said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada.
Air Canada Rouge also provided a sneak peek of the cabin interior that will be available on nine Airbus A321 aircraft of the 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet, with the first entering service later this fall.
These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with playful Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats, with 30-inch seat pitch in the Economy cabin. The A321 Rouge aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback.
With the resumption of Air Canada Rouge service, which had been suspended since spring 2021, customers can also enjoy recent product and design enhancements onboard all Rouge aircraft. These include:
Upgraded streaming entertainment – customers no longer need to use an app to stream content; customers can now stream hours of television and movies available on a complimentary basis directly to their own device via their web browser, or their complimentary, sanitized iPad in Premium Rouge.
Refreshed uniforms – Rouge flight attendants will be sporting a new uniform featuring many pieces of the award-winning Air Canada mainline uniform, accented with new neckwear and brevets to represent the Rouge brand.
All Air Canada Rouge flights are operated with narrow-body Airbus aircraft offering high-speed Wi-Fi (available for purchase) and a choice of Premium Rouge and Economy services. Customers travelling in the Premium Rouge cabin will be offered a complimentary bar and beverage service, and a complimentary meal on flights over two hours, or a snack on flights of shorter duration.
All flights are operated using the Air Canada CleanCare+ suite of biosafety measures. Customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
More information about Air Canada Rouge flights can be found at: www.flyrouge.com
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline and, in 2019, was among the top 20 largest airlines in the world. It is Canada’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2020, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the second straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
MONTREAL, Nov. 2, 2020 /CNW/ – The departure of Air Canada flight AC1810 from Toronto to Cancun today marked the return of Air Canada Rouge to the skies.
“Air Canada Rouge remains an important part of our overall strategy in rebuilding Air Canada’s global network. As leisure traffic resumes, we will progressively add Air Canada Rouge to select North American leisure markets from Eastern Canada,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning and Alliances at Air Canada.
Air Canada Rouge flights are operated with narrow-body Airbus aircraft featuring a choice of Premium Rouge and Economy services. Customers travelling in the Premium Rouge cabin will be offered a complimentary, pre-packaged meal curated by celebrated Montreal chef Antonio Park with complimentary bar and beverage service. All customers onboard Rouge flights will have access to complementary in-flight entertainment that is streamed right to their personal smartphone or device of choice without the requirement to download an app. Premium Rouge customers will also be offered the complimentary use of sanitized iPads containing entertainment content.
All flights are operated using the Air Canada CleanCare+ suite of biosafety measures. Customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
More information about Air Canada Rouge flights can be found at: flyrouge.com
Air Canada CleanCare+, a leading biosafety program
Air Canada has been at the forefront of the airline industry in responding to COVID-19, including being among the first carriers globally to require customer face coverings onboard and the first airline in the Americas to take customers’ temperatures prior to boarding. It has introduced a comprehensive program, Air Canada CleanCare+, to apply industry leading biosafety measures at each stage of the journey. As well, to give customers flexibility, it has extended its goodwill policy so that new bookings made up to December 31, 2020 can be changed without fees for original travel up to December 31, 2021.
Aircraft are also equipped with HEPA air filtration, also used in hospital operating theatres, which are very effective at trapping microscopic particles as small as viruses and bacteria, as well as dust, pollen and moisture. Air in an aircraft cabin passes through the HEPA filter and is refreshed about 20-30 times per hour.
Science-based approach to advance biosafety measures
Air Canada has undertaken several medical collaborations to further advance a science-based approach across its business. The carrier most recently announced it is finalizing an initial order for Abbott’s newly approved COVID-19 rapid testing kits. Its medical collaborations include a partnership with McMaster HealthLabs and Greater Toronto Airport Authority to conduct a voluntary COVID-19 study of international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with Cleveland Clinic Canada for medical advisory services, with Ottawa-based Spartan Bioscience to explore portable COVID-19 testing technology and, since 2019, with Toronto-based BlueDot for real-time infectious disease global monitoring.
Select Maple Leaf Lounges open with biosafety measures in place
Air Canada welcomes eligible customers again to three of its Maple Leaf Lounges: one each at its Toronto Pearson and its Vancouver hubs, and at Calgary International Airport. The Maple Leaf Lounge experience has been completely re-thought with a range of industry-leading biosafety measures in place for the safety of customers and employees alike. Electrostatic spraying in the Maple Leaf Lounges is part of significantly enhanced cleaning procedures for additional peace of mind, as well as launching new touchless processes, such as the ability to order pre-packaged food directly to your seat from your smartphone. Additional information is at: aircanada.com/serviceoffering.
Air Canada’s transformed Aeroplan loyalty program relaunches Nov. 8
Beginning November 8, 2020, current Aeroplan accounts will seamlessly transition to the transformed program, including existing Aeroplan membership numbers. Aeroplan miles will be known as “Aeroplan points,” and existing balances of miles will be honoured on a one-to-one basis. New features include every seat for sale on every Air Canada flight will be available for flight rewards with Aeroplan points and no cash surcharges, predictable pricing, all-new Aeroplan credit card benefits, additional partners, and redemption for travel extras such as upgrades.
MONTREAL, Feb. 27, 2019 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today it will launch new, non-stop service between Torontoand Quito. The new route, to be operated three-times weekly on a seasonal basis by Air Canada Rouge, will be the first non-stop service to Ecuador from Canada when it begins December 8, 2019, subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals.
Air Canada to Launch Service to Quito from Toronto, the first non-stop flight between Canada and Ecuador. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
“Air Canada is expanding its footprint in South America as part of its ongoing international growth strategy from our Toronto global hub. As the capital of Ecuador, Quito is both an important tourism and cargo market, and Ecuador has a growing number of Canadians living in the country who will also benefit from this convenient non-stop service. As well, our expansion in South America gives us an opportunity to efficiently deploy our aircraft during the winter months when southern destinations are more popular,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning, at Air Canada.
The Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Rosi Prado de Holguín, remarked that the Ministry welcomes connectivity as fundamental to promoting the arrival of visitors to the country: “Connectivity allows tourists to fall in love of the ‘country of the four worlds’. Also, our goal is to ensure tourism remains the third largest source of income for Ecuador, that’s why we keep working every day to promote Ecuador in the world.”
“Having Air Canada introducing a direct service between Toronto and Quito represents a major announcement. This new non-stop flight will act as a catalyst to strengthen existing ties between Ecuador and Canada by facilitating mobility for tourists and students; encouraging commercial exchange and opening new doors to further expand the breadth of our relations. Congratulations to Air Canada and to the Airport of Quito for this important success!” said Sylvie Bédard, Designated Ambassador of Canada to Ecuador.
“Air Canada’s decision to start operations between Toronto and Quito is very important as we are opening not only a new route, but a new market with a lot of potential. The Ecuadorian community in Toronto is significant and with the new flight we open the door so they are better connected to their home country. Quito is a tourist destination with great potential for Canadian travelers who are eager to explore different places and customs. In that sense, Ecuador has much to offer in cultural, historical, adventure and nature tourism, without forgetting of course its wonderful beaches and landscapes. The route to Toronto will also offer tourists from Ecuador the opportunity to get closer to Canada, a very welcoming country with unique attractions for Ecuadorians, thanks to the geographic and cultural contrast between both countries that, nonetheless, share a common characteristic: warmth towards visitors,” said Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO, Corporación Quiport (Quito International Airport).
“In recent years, Quito has substantially improved its air connectivity with new routes and more frequencies to important destinations in the world. Having a direct flight between Quito and Toronto opens the doors to new opportunities with Canada, which is one of the most important and potential markets in the world. More tourism, more business, more connectivity and greater competitiveness. This is a great example of an excellent coordination and teamwork between the public and private sectors,” said Álvaro Maldonado, Productive Development and Competiveness Secretary for Quito.
The new route will commence on December 8, 2019 and operate three return-trips weekly between Toronto and Quito until May 11, 2020. Flights will be operated by Air Canada Rouge using a 282-seat, Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering two cabins and inflight entertainment streamed to personal devices. The flights will connect conveniently across Air Canada’s network in North America and Europe. Customers can also collect and redeem Aeroplan Miles through 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.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Days of Week
AC1950
Toronto 23:45
Quito 06:30 + 1 day
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
AC1951
Quito 08:30
Toronto 15:05
Monday, Thursday, Saturday
Special introductory fares start as low as $631 round-trip, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase at aircanada.com or through travel agents.
From Air Transport World – 9 August 2018 – Sean Broderick
As the Canadian ULCC market heats up, Air Canada said it is prepared to leverage the significant flexibility of its rouge subsidiary to ward off competition, from adding flights in major domestic markets to re-configuring aircraft to match rivals’ all-economy offerings.
“We have been preparing to ensure that we have all the tools necessary to offset [low-cost competition] and ensure that we are not negatively impacted,” Air Canada passenger airlines president Ben Smith said.
Set up five years ago as a leisure-destination operation, rouge’s network is heavily transborder and international, with only a handful of year-round and seasonal routes within Canada. None of them link any of the country’s six largest metropolitan areas—Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton—part of the carrier’s strategy to preserve mainline margins.
Calgary-based WestJet and its ULCC subsidiary Swoop are following a similar network strategy, but unlike rouge’s two-class aircraft, Swoop operates 189-seat all-economy Boeing 737-800s.
Fast-growing ULCC Flair Airlines is taking the strategy a step further, operating single-class, 158-seat 737-400s on popular domestic routes such as Toronto-Calgary and Vancouver-Calgary. The Edmonton-based carrier’s recent announcement to move its Hamilton services to Toronto will make it even more prominent, and it plans to follow rouge and Swoop into transborder services.
While Montreal-based Air Canada set up rouge as a hybrid low-cost leisure carrier, the company has flexibility to transform its subsidiary to meet market needs, thanks in part to a 2017 amendment to its pilot agreement. The deal lifted Rouge’s fleet-size cap of 50—25 widebodies and 25 narrowbodies—by permitting more narrowbodies based on Air Canada’s mainline operation and permits rouge aircraft to replace regional feeder flying.
Air Canada is already taking advantage of the narrowbody cap’s removal. Its 53-aircraft fleet includes 22 Airbus A319s and six A321s, and it plans to add three A320s next year. It also is evaluating its rouge deployment strategy in light of shifting market dynamics.
“We have not deployed one of our options, which is rouge on any of the major markets. We can do that,” Smith said. “We can also modify the rouge model …. We can densify the rouge aircraft to bring down the CASM. So, a lot of flexibility.”
Usage of the A320s will be determined by the best opportunities. While the strategy could change, Smith said three options are being considered: adding domestic capacity, flying attractive “southern” routes to Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, or replacing regional-feeder flying.
“We’re quite pleased with the position we’re in,” he said.
