Air Canada to Launch B787-8 Flights Between Montreal and Shanghai, China

Air Canada has unveiled plans to launch daily year-round flights from Montreal to Shanghai, China beginning 16 February 2017.

The flights will mark Air Canada's first direct service to China from Montreal as well as the introduction of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on flights departing from Montreal.

Air Canada has increased its international capacity from Montreal by 133% since 2009, with direct service to 13 cities in Europe, North Africa and China.

"China is Canada's second largest trading partner and Air Canada has made a significant investment of more than $1 billion in aircraft and equipment allocated specifically to serve the Chinese market from our Canadian hubs," said Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We will be the first and only Canadian carrier to operate daily non-stop transpacific service between Montreal and the Asia-Pacific region, and with an elapsed time of 14.5 hours, it will be the longest flight ever operated by any carrier from Montréal-Trudeau airport. Together with our Star Alliance partners, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, and partner Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based airline operating to more than 30 destinations in China, we will offer the growing number of travellers between Montreal and China even more convenient travel options to Chinese destinations."

In Montreal, flights are timed to optimize connections to and from the carrier's extensive Eastern Canada and U.S. networks including Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax, New York and Boston.

Tickets will be available for purchase on 28 September 2016.

"As an important partner, Tourisme Montréal is thrilled about the improved air service between our city and China, a major tourism market for Montreal. This is an important strategic initiative for Tourisme Montréal. It is with determination that we will pursue our objective and ensure the continuity of these services, and that we will keep promoting Montréal as a choice tourism destination in other Asian markets," said Yves Lalumière, CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

Air Canada plans to launch an interline agreement with Juneyao Airlines in the coming weeks. 

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