OREANDA-NEWS. Air Canada announced non-stop service between Brisbane International Airport (BNE) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Set to begin flying three-times weekly starting June 17, 2016, the direct service is the only year-round, non-stop flight between Canada and Brisbane—a major business hub and a gateway to Australia’s renowned tourism region.  

“Air Canada is our long-time anchor partner and we value their commitment to developing a West Coast hub at YVR,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This service is another milestone in our vision of becoming a world-class hub airport and further strengthens the already excellent relationship and mutual admiration between Canada and Australia."

Air Canada is a key carrier between Australia and Vancouver, currently operating daily service to Sydney from YVR using Boeing 777 aircraft. This new non-stop service will use the game changing Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to connect directly to Brisbane. As Australia’s third most-populous city, Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland providing direct access to Australia’s Gold Coast and famed Great Barrier Reef. 

“YVR welcomes this new service and thousands of excited travellers with open arms. It’s a perfect route – Australians love to visit our ski hills and cities while Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef are a constant draw for Canadians,” said Craig Richmond, Vancouver Airport Authority.

Air Canada’s new service will generate approximately $9 million in Gross Domestic Product and $5.3 million in wages to the BC economy and add an additional 134 jobs at YVR, BC’s hotels, tourism attractions and businesses. The service will further establish Vancouver and BC as a key tourism location for visitors from Australia, who increased by 6.3 per cent in 2014. The new Brisbane service will give BC businesses and organizations more options to reach customers in Australia.