The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday, Apr. 4, expressed its support for the launch of Air Canada’s direct Vancouver-Manila flight, a significant milestone in strengthening tourism and trade relations between the Philippines and Canada.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco emphasized that the thrice-weekly service, offering over 57,000 seats annually, will provide easier access for Canadian tourists while deepening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Inaugurated on Apr. 3, the new route supports the Philippines’ growing tourism sector, with Canada ranking sixth among the country’s top tourist markets, recording 269,300 Canadian visitors in 2024.

The direct flight, which reduces travel time from 20 to 12-14 hours, enhances convenience for tourists, encouraging more visits to the Philippines’ renowned destinations.

Frasco, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, Air Canada Managing Director Rocky Lo, and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon among others led the arrival and send-off ceremony for AC 017, the maiden direct flight connecting Manila to Vancouver, on Thursday at Gate 116 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking Air Canada’s first-ever non-stop flight to Manila, a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Canada.

“This inaugural Air Canada flight represents more than just mere travel,” Frasco said. “It symbolizes a powerful bridge connecting our two countries closer than ever before.”

Lo expressed confidence in the route’s success, emphasizing that the flight reinforces Air Canada’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

“It serves the most non-stop destinations from North America and supports Canada’s Inter-Pacific strategy,” he said.

Ambassador Hartman also noted the Philippines’ appeal to investors, citing recent economic reforms, and underscored that the flight “opens new opportunities for trade, tourism, and overall people-to-people connections.”

Frasco extended a warm invitation to Canadian visitors, encouraging them to explore the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, in keeping with the country’s renowned hospitality.

Air Canada, the largest full-service airline in Canada, is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia by introducing direct flights to the Philippines. As the only Canadian carrier serving the country, the DOT said the new Vancouver-Manila route fills in an opportunity in the market, as the Philippines has been the largest market in Asia without direct Air Canada service. 

According to the airline, this new route is also designed to allow customers to conveniently connect to and from more than 50 destinations across North America, utilizing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.