Flag carrier Air Canada is expanding its Southeast Asian operations with the addition of Manila into its direct flights from Vancouver beginning next year.
In a statement late Thursday, Air Canada said it would operate three flights weekly between Vancouver and Manila beginning April 2, 2025, and increase the frequency to four times every week from May 1, 2025.
Manila would serve as Air Canada’s third route in Southeast Asia after Bangkok and Singapore, and the ninth destination within the Asia Pacific region after Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand.
“We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada’s Pacific gateway hub. We continue to pursue our international network strategy of expanding to large, fast-growing markets that are presently unserved directly by Air Canada,” said Mark Galardo, executive vice president for revenue and network planning for Air Canada.
“The Philippines is an important market reflecting long-standing family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities. With an extensive domestic and trans-border network in Vancouver designed to connect seamlessly to our international flights, we are making travel between North America and the Philippines even more convenient for leisure and business travelers alike. It is with great excitement that we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard next spring,” he added.
The announcement was made during a visit of the Canadian government’s trade mission team in the Philippines to celebrate the Philippines and Canada’s 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Mary Ng, Canada’s minister of export promotion for international trade and economic development, said that the new direct flights mark an exciting milestone between Canada and the Philippines.
“As we mark 75 years of our diplomatic relations, these new direct flights between Vancouver and Manila will help create stronger connections and partnerships, easier travel, economic growth, and generate shared prosperity. I look forward to seeing our Canadian companies continue to develop in the Philippines through initiatives like these,” she said.
Air Canada said tickets between Vancouver and Manila are now available on its website, or can be purchased through its contact centers and travel agents.
It said it would use its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which offers Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, between the two cities.
At present, Philippine Airlines is the sole carrier offering direct flights between Manila and Vancouver.