Australia a Hop Closer for Canadians with First-Ever Non-Stop Flights

Air Canada’s introduction of its first-ever non-stop flights between Australia and Canada comes just in time for peak travel season. Starting December 16, 2004 Air Canada will offer non-stop service from Sydney to Vancouver using the 282-seat Airbus A340-300 aircraft.   Flights from Vancouver to Sydney will stop briefly in Honolulu for re-fueling, however customers can stay on board, eliminating U.S. customs clearance.

Tourism Australia’s Vice-President The Americas, Michael Londregan, said Air Canada’s announcement of non-stop flights to Australia was “fantastic news for Canadian travellers”.
 
“Australia has long been a dream destination for Canadians and this new service will make it easier for that dream to become a reality,” he said.

“By-passing connections in the U.S. cuts delays and inconveniences, and means those Canadians wanting to travel to Australia no longer have to compete for seats with their compatriots travelling to Hawaii or Los Angeles. The bottom line is it’s now easier for Canadians to get to Australia than ever before.”
 
Mr. Londregan said Tourism Australia’s recent appointment of a Canadian Distribution Manager and a new $1 million CAD marketing campaign is a reflection of its optimism in the Canadian travel market.
 
“We’re investing more in Canada than ever before and working closely with the local industry to ensure more great Australian vacations are offered to Canadians.
 
Australia and Canada share so much in common and the result has been healthy travel between our countries. That can only increase with this historic announcement.”
 
Air Canada will maintain its second daily flight operated via Honolulu with a 212-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. These flights allow passengers to stop over in Hawaii between Canada and Australia and also provide the only daily non-stop flights for local customers traveling between Hawaii and Australia. With the introduction of first-ever double daily service Air Canada
is increasing the number of seats on the route by 33 per cent over last year.
 
For further information on Australia, visit www.australia.com http://www.australia.com or call 1-800-333-0139.

October 29, 2004   Posted in: Australia