Air Canada rouge launches new route in time for summer and brings many new jobs to B.C.
RICHMOND, BC, May 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Air Canada rouge inaugurated its non-stop seasonal service to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, Japan from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This service will operate up to five times weekly between Vancouver and Osaka for the peak summer travel period of May-October. This new route is the only non-stop flight between KIX and a Canadian airport and will continue to bolster YVR's current service to Japan; YVR offers the most capacity and frequency to Japan of any other airport in Canada.
"Just in time for our busy summer travel season, we are thrilled that Air Canada rouge has chosen YVR to expand their international route network with non-stop flights to Osaka," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "At YVR, we pride ourselves on being the North American gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and this new service reinforces that and further strengthens our air connections to Asia."
Japan and British Columbia have a long and significant history of cultural and economic links. As the world's third-largest economy, Japan offers B.C. businesses many opportunities to increase exports by taking advantage of its high demand for energy resources, raw materials, seafood and international education. Air Canada rouge's new service will generate approximately $7.2 million in Gross Domestic Product, $4.5 million in wages to the B.C. economy and an additional 123 jobs at YVR and B.C.'s hotel, restaurants and tourist attractions.
"Increasing air connections is a key part of the BC Jobs Plan and helps cement our province's position as Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway," said the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business, Province of British Columbia. "Japan is an important tourism market for our province and the addition of non-stop YVR-Osaka flight will give travellers even more options to visit SuperNatural BC."
Air Canada rouge service between Vancouver and Osaka will operate with a Boeing 767-300 Extended Range aircraft offering a choice of seating options including a premium cabin with additional personal space and enhanced service and options for seating with additional legroom. Flights will depart from Vancouver at 12:05 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arrive in Osaka at 14:55 the following day. Flights from Osaka will depart at 16:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Vancouver at 10:00 the same day.
"Air Canada rouge is proud to continue our expansion in Western Canada with the only non-stop service offered by any airline between Canada and Osaka," said Michael Friisdahl, President & CEO, Air Canada Leisure Group. "The flights have been timed to connect conveniently in Vancouver to and from Air Canada's extensive network in North America. Our rouge crews are very much looking forward to welcoming customers onboard these flights and offering the outstanding customer service that is the hallmark of the Air Canada rouge experience. Irasshai!"
For more information on this service including how to purchase tickets, visit www.flyrouge.com.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 19 million passengers in 2014. Fifty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 110 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.
SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority
Image with caption: "RICHMOND, B.C .: MAY 1, 2015 -- (L-R) Renee Smith-Valade (Air Canada), Seiji Okada (Consul General of Japan to Vancouver), Kevin Howlett (Air Canada), Craig Richmond (YVR) and Hon. Naomi Yamamoto (Province of B.C.) participate in a traditional Japanese dance to celebrate Air Canada rouge's inaugural flight to Osaka, Japan at YVR in Richmond, British Columbia on May 1, 2015. (Photo courtesy of YVR) (CNW Group/Vancouver Airport Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150501_C5303_PHOTO_EN_16105.jpg
Image with caption: "RICHMOND, B.C .: MAY 1, 2015 -- (L-R) Renee Smith-Valade (Air Canada), Seiji Okada (Consul General of Japan), Kevin Howlett (Air Canada), Craig Richmond (YVR) and Hon. Naomi Yamamoto (Province of B.C.) are pictured after cutting the ribbon celebrating Air Canada rouge's inaugural flight to Osaka, Japan at YVR in Richmond, British Columbia on May 1, 2015. (Photo courtesy of YVR) (CNW Group/Vancouver Airport Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150501_C5303_PHOTO_EN_16106.jpg
YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport
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