The airline also launched its first-ever flights from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport to Naples International Airport on May 16. This service complements existing routes to Milan Malpensa Airport, Rome-Fiumicino, and Venice Marco Polo Airport. According to Galardo, Air Canada remains committed to "fostering tourism and connecting families and businesses across Canada and Italy."
Additionally, Air Canada reinstated a route from Montreal to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport on June 4. The last time this route was operational was during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019.
Amid reports of declining demand for transborder routes between Canada and the United States, Air Canada has shifted some capacity towards European destinations. Statistics from Cirium’s Diio Mi indicate a reduction of 42 weekly flights between Canada and the US compared to June last year.
In terms of narrowbody aircraft operations across the Atlantic Ocean, Air Canada's Boeing 737 MAX 8 is used for several routes including Halifax to London Heathrow and Montreal to Reykjavik-Keflavik.
The majority of Air Canada's transatlantic services are operated with twin-aisle aircraft such as the A330-300 and Boeing models including the 777-200LR and 787 series. These aircraft account for most of the airline's scheduled departures from Canada to Europe in June.
During a recent earnings call following an operating loss reported in Q1, Galardo noted that long-haul routes show strong demand recovery. He emphasized capacity reallocation strategies in response to shifts in market demand.
Galardo highlighted that with booking declines expected in the US transborder market over the next six months, Air Canada plans to leverage its network diversity by reallocating capacity where needed.
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