Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo: Changi Airport Group.
Air Canada’s much-anticipated service from Singapore (SIN) to Vancouver (YVR) began on April 4, 2024, with the arrival in Singapore of the first flight, marking the inauguration of the airline’s newest international route and the only non-stop flight between Singapore and Canada.
Stretching 12,818 kilometres (7,965 miles), the route is the airline’s longest flight measured by distance, even though the flying time from Singapore is scheduled to be only 14 hours and 40 minutes.
“Air Canada is thrilled to welcome customers onboard our newest route linking Singapore and Canada from our Pacific hub in Vancouver. These new Singapore flights are part of our strategic expansion at YVR which, together with an efficient and seamless in-transit connection process, further positions the airport as the preferred North American gateway to Asia,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice-President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada.
“Singapore is also an important gateway from beyond destinations. Customers have a multitude of connection options travelling from Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia with our longstanding code share and Star Alliance partner Singapore Airlines.”
Arrival of AC19 in Singapore on 4 April. PHOTO: Changi Airport Group.
Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice-President for Air Hub & Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, said: “Changi Airport is thrilled to welcome Air Canada to Singapore. This is especially timely, as travel volume between Singapore and Canada last year has seen a healthy rebound, exceeding 85% of pre-pandemic levels.
“Operating four times weekly, this service will give Vancouver-based travellers a convenient non-stop service flight to visit Singapore, as well as the attractions of Southeast Asia by leveraging Changi Airport’s extensive network as the best-connected international airport in Southeast Asia. (Changi accounts for six out the top 10 busiest routes in Southeast Asia in OAG’s March 2024 schedules.)
“Singapore-based travellers can also take advantage of the new non-stop flight to visit Canada, as well as to other cities in North America like Chicago and Washington, via Air Canada’s Vancouver hub.
“We look forward to welcoming more travellers between Singapore and Canada, and strengthening our partnership with Air Canada.”
Vancouver Airport Authority President and CEO Tamara Vrooman said: “I am pleased Air Canada has chosen YVR to host the only non-stop flight between Canada and Singapore.
This new route will generate US$18 million in economic output and support jobs across the sector.
“We welcome this new service which will grow tourism, support increased trade, and importantly, connect families and friends across the Pacific region. The launch of service to Singapore speaks to the continued investment Air Canada is making in Vancouver, which in turn benefits our community and the regional economy.”
Ms Kiyo Weiss, Senior Director, Sales Asia Pacific, Air Canada and Mr David Rheault, Vice-President, Government and Community Relations, Air Canada. Photo: Air Canada
The Singapore-Vancouver route is operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners offering a choice of three cabins: Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat individual pods, Premium Economy featuring larger seats with additional leg room and premium services and Economy featuring complimentary Chef-inspired and designed meals, wines, and beverages.
All cabins have award-winning inflight entertainment screens at every seat with hours of complimentary onboard entertainment featuring more than 1,400 hours of movies, more than 1,900 hours of TV shows, more than 600 hours of music and podcasts,and featuring premier collaborations with Apple TV+, Audible, Disney+, Hayu.
Customers have the opportunity to purchase wi-fi connectivity. Additionally, for all Air Canada Aeroplan members there is free texting onboard wi-fi-equipped aircraft.
Air Canada has 27 Maple Leaf Lounges located in North America and worldwide for eligible customers.
Air Canada’s onboard services on international flights showcase some of the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada’s panel of celebrity chefs, including renowned Montreal chef Jerome Ferrer and award-winning Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij.
Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Veronique Rivest.
All customers have the opportunity to collect and redeem points with Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty programme, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
