Qantas to fly Sydney-Vancouver all year round / Air Canada returns to Sydney

    QANTAS B787-9 VH-ZNF (MSN 36239)

Qantas is upgrading its Sydney-Vancouver flights from a seasonal service to run throughout the year, challenging Air Canada to satisfy pent-up demand for travel once Australia's international borders reopen. The direct twice-weekly flights, which departed Sydney on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Vancouver on Sundays and Thursdays, ran from December to January each year.
In addition to Australians heading for the cosmopolitan harbour city and gateway to the Canadian Rockies, the airline expects plenty of Canucks to be lured down under.

Canada only this month began welcoming back international travellers, who must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entering the country with a vaccine recognised by the Canadian government: this includes the AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer jabs being used in Australia, along with North America's single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.

Qantas is scheduling three flights a week between Sydney and Vancouver from the 18th of December, with a Boeing 787-9 taking on the 15-hour trek.

Air Canada plans to restart its Sydney-Vancouver route on the 17th of December with four Boeing 777 flights per week.

Both Qantas and Air Canada tempt premium travellers with a fully lie-flat bed in business class, where the 1-2-1 seating layout also offers direct access to the aisle.

Ahead of their flight back to Sydney, Qantas' business class travellers and top-tier Qantas Frequent Flyers holding Gold, Platinum and Platinum One status will enjoy access to the Vancouver lounge of Oneworld partner Cathay Pacific.

AIR CANADA B787-9 C-FGDZ (MSN 37173)

As mentioned Air Canada plans to restart Sydney-Vancouver flights from December, with flights now on sale as both Australia and Canada reopen their international borders.

However, as expected, trans-Pacific travel will be restricted to people who have been fully vaccinated – and only "with the Government of Canada-accepted vaccines", the airline notes – although this set includes the AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer jabs being used in Australia.

"As travel restrictions ease across the globe, we are committed to rebuild our international network and continue as a global carrier connecting the world with Canada," said Vic Naughton, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Air Canada.

"Our flights from Sydney to Vancouver conveniently connect to our flights across Canada and the U.S. at our Vancouver hub."

Air Canada says its "industry-leading" Clean Care+ bio-safety protocols will give passengers peace of mind both in airport lounges and in the air, and has launched a dedicated online Travel Hub guide to help guests understand their key travel requirements.

The restart timetable for Air Canada's Sydney-Vancouver route sees an initial four flights per week on the airline's long-range Boeing 777-200LR jet, which features spacious Signature Class lie-flat business suites, along with premium economy and economy class seating.

AC34 will depart Sydney on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

AC33 will depart Vancouver on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.






Stories sourced from here

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