Air Canada has began service from Vancouver to Auckland, marking the carrier’s launch of seasonal service between Canada and New Zealand.
Flights will operate four-times weekly until the end of March 2020.
Air Canada’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will be used on the route. The aircraft features 20 Signature Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy and 214 Economy Class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft.
In 2018, Canadians choosing to holiday in New Zealand grew by 6.7 per cent to 70,000 visitors. Similarly, New Zealand visitor numbers grew by 12 per cent with 34,000 visiting Canada during the same period, according to Scott Tasker, general manager of aeronautical commercial at Auckland Airport.
Last October, the New Zealand government introduced an electronic authorization (NZeTA) for visitors to the country from visa waiver countries and territories, of which Canada is included. The NZeTA can be requested online and sometimes approved within 10 minutes, although it is recommended that travellers allow up to 72 hours to be safe, since approval is required before beginning travel.
AC51 flights from YVR will depart Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Sat., at 11:45pm, arriving in Auckland at 11:05am + 2 days.
AC52 flights from Auckland will depart at 2:30pm on Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Sat., arriving at YVR at 6:30am.
