A terrific Asian destination for business and leisure and a valuable hub in Southeast Asia.
Air Canada executives say its new YVR-SIN route, which began 04APR and which Open Jaw is enjoying this week, is part of the airline’s expanding global strategy.
Stretching 12,818 kilometres (7,965 miles), the route is the airline's longest flight measured by distance, with a flying time of up to 16 hours and five minutes aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Air Canada offers:
- The only non-stop flight linking Canada and Singapore
- Four times weekly, year-round flights with connections across North America via YVR and to Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia via Singapore
The new route is part of Air Canada’s plan to broaden its presence in the region to capitalize on growing business links and Canada’s changing demographics, said the airline.
“We are committed to growing YVR as a premier trans-Pacific hub, and Singapore is a top global financial centre; a multicultural destination that offers an abundance of tourism and food experiences, as well as an important gateway to beyond destinations in Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia,” said Executive Vice-President Mark Galardo.
The YVR-SIN route, which operates four days a week, is the only non-stop flight between the two cities. Singapore Airlines, a Star Alliance partner of Air Canada, ceased flying the route last October.
Air Canada last flew between YVR and SIN in 1991.
The schedule has been built to make it easy for passengers to connect to other destinations in North America and across Southeast Asia, southern India, and western Australia, said Air Canada.
“It represents the deepening bonds and mutual opportunities for enhanced collaboration for tourism, trade, businesses, partnership, cultural and institutional exchange between Canada and Singapore,” David Rheault, vice-president of government and community relations at Air Canada, said after the inaugural flight earlier this month.
“We are definitely confident that there is demand to sustain the flight,” he added. We have analyzed the market, we think there is good potential. It’s a growing market too because of all the growing relationships between the region and Canada.”
“Changi Airport is thrilled to welcome Air Canada to Singapore. This is especially timely, as travel volume between Singapore and Canada last year has seen a healthy rebound, exceeding 85% of pre-pandemic levels,” said Lim Ching Kiat. the Executive Vice President for Air Hub & Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group.
Open Jaw is one of a handful of press outlets currently enjoying the sights and sounds of Singapore, which is also one of the world’s great foodie destinations. There’s everything from Indian curry stalls and hawker markets to Michelin-star restaurants. This reporter has been indulging in a flurry of taste sensations which make such trips unforgettable.
As Open Jaw is the only trade publication on the trip, look for a full destination report early next week.
