New Air Canada rouge seasonal service from YVR to Osaka, starting May 2015

Olympic Departures at YVRStarting next summer, Air Canada will introduce direct non-stop service between Vancouver and Osaka, Japan.

The service is planned to begin May 1, 2015 and will be operated by Air Canada rouge with five flights per week from YVR to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.

Air Canada rouge will operate a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the route and offer a choice of economy and premium cabin service.

“We are delighted that Air Canada has chosen to expand its network at YVR,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Not only is Japan a desirable destination for British Columbians, this new route will also bring growth, hundreds of jobs and economic benefit to the whole province.”

The non-stop service to Osaka will bolster YVR’s current service to Japan; YVR currently offers the most capacity to Japan of any other Canadian airport. Air Canada and Japan Airlines both operate non-stop daily service to Tokyo Narita. In March 2014, All Nippon Airways began non-stop daily service to Tokyo Haneda.

“We are very pleased to add Osaka to our international route network with the introduction of the only non-stop flights from Canada to Kansai International Airport starting May 1,” said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines, Air Canada. “We expect this new seasonal service to be particularly popular with vacation travellers from Osaka seeking the renowned scenic beauty, outdoor activities and culture of Vancouver and B.C., as well as with North American customers travelling to Japan’s second largest metropolitan centre. The flights to Kansai International Airport have been timed to connect conveniently at Air Canada’s Vancouver hub to and from our extensive North American network.”

Air Canada rouge flights from YVR to KIX are planned to begin May 1, 2015, subject to government approval, and will operate up to five times weekly until October 24, 2015.

Flight AC 1927, departs Vancouver at 12:05pm, arriving in Osaka at 2:55pm (next day), Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Flight AC 1928, departs Osaka at 4:25pm, arriving in Vancouver at 9:55am, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit aircanada.com.