Air Canada has unveiled plans to launch non-stop flights between Toronto and Delhi, India beginning in November 2015. The new route, the first to be dedicated for Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 series aircraft, will open new opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, currently the largest international market not served by Air Canada.
Calin Rovinescu, president and chief executive officer, Air Canada said, “Air Canada’s strategy to grow its Toronto Pearson hub and international presence is taking a major step forward with the addition of Delhi to our extensive global network. We will be offering the only non-stop flight from Canada to India using our newest Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The operating economics of these new aircraft make this service feasible and it will be the first route dedicated to the larger, 787-9 version of this aircraft, which begin entering our fleet in 2015. This service will appeal both to customers visiting and doing business in Delhi, the capital region of India and the fourth most populous urban area in the world, and to those customers making onward connections within India and throughout Southeast Asia on our Star Alliance partner, Air India, or other interline partners.”
Tickets will go on sale form December 9, 2014, and the service will operate four-times-weekly beginning November 1, 2015 using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring a three-cabin service, including the next generation lie-flat seat in international business class, a premium economy cabin, and enhanced seatback inflight entertainment system available at every seat throughout the aircraft.
Flights are timed for convenient connections both within Air Canada’s North American network and in India on Air India or other interline partners to such cities as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and to other destinations throughout Southeast Asia.
Nadir Patel, Canada’s new high commissioner, Republic of India said, “Canada and India are committed to strengthening economic and other ties and in a globalised world non-stop air linkages are vital to achieving such goals. Air Canada’s new service will facilitate business relationships and promote increased trade by connecting both countries’ largest urban centres. Given our country’s vibrant and thriving Indo-Canadian community, the route will also make it easier for families and friends to visit one another and remain connected.”