Air Canada explores expanding Japanese routes amid increased interest

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Air Canada explores expanding Japanese routes amid increased interest

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 13, 2025

Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, is reportedly exploring new routes to Japan as part of its strategy to expand its international network. Currently, the airline serves Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, utilizing Tokyo Narita Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Kansai International Airport.

According to information from Japan Aviation Hub, during Air Canada's Investor Day in December 2024, the airline suggested potential markets in Japan that could support nonstop service to Canada. Although no official announcements have been made regarding new routes, this indicates possible future growth in transpacific flights.

Nagoya Chubu and Sapporo New Chitose were specifically mentioned by the airline as destinations under consideration. Both locations currently lack direct flights to North America. Any new services launched by Air Canada are expected to originate from its west coast hub in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Currently, only Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka airports offer direct flights between Japan and North America. The introduction of Air Canada into these markets could impact the transpacific travel sector and enhance access for Japanese travelers heading to North America.

As of now, Air Canada's operations in Japan include four nonstop routes: Montreal to Tokyo Narita, Vancouver to Tokyo Narita, Toronto to Tokyo Narita, and Toronto to Tokyo Haneda. These are serviced by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. During the summer season, additional services from Vancouver and Toronto to Osaka are added with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Meanwhile, Edmonton International Airport in Alberta is also looking at increasing connections with Japan by potentially launching charter flights to Kumamoto Airport. This initiative aims to evaluate demand and profitability before considering regular nonstop services starting as early as 2027. This plan aligns with the upcoming opening of a Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company facility in Kumamoto that is anticipated to boost regional economic activity.

Kumamoto News Web reports that if successful, this would be Kumamoto Airport's first transpacific route amidst existing connections with South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Air Canada did not provide immediate comments on this development when contacted on January 12th.