Canadian Dream returns to Brisbane Airport

2022-07-03

In another clear sign of Queensland’s international tourism recovery, Air Canada today resumes Dreamliner flights between Brisbane Airport and Vancouver.

The year-round service will operate four times per week with each Boeing 787 having capacity for 298 passengers.

Significantly, the Brisbane to Vancouver route is the 20th port in Brisbane Airport’s growing international network, as it reconnects Queenslanders to the world. A post-pandemic record number of people are forecast to pass through the International Terminal today.

The extra capacity is a boost to this state’s $28 billion tourism industry. BNE is Queensland's primary gateway for international visitors with thousands travelling onto the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, the Whitsundays and Cairns.

Canadian citizens are high value travellers, with trip lengths longer than the average international tourist, spending on average 14 nights across 4 destinations.

"Not only will these flights deliver 60,000 tourists to Queensland each year, but they’re also crucial to boosting trade between Queensland and Canada," according to Gert-Jan de Graaff, Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC).

"They’ll enable Queensland farmers to export meat and fresh produce direct to Vancouver and beyond. Previously, perishable goods had to travel via Sydney which extended delivery times. The 787-9 can carry up to 11 tonnes of cargo, which Queensland exporters will be able to take advantage of."

"The Sunshine State also relies on Canada for crucial parts to keep our economy moving. Queensland Rail’s Next Generation Rolling Stock, the Gold Coast Light Rail and many aircraft servicing the state’s regional airports rely on the fast delivery of parts from Canada."

The airline is Canada’s flag carrier, and services more than 200 airports across six continents. It is among the world’s top 20 largest airlines, and now partners with Virgin Australia. That means Virgin Australia’s eight million Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now earn Velocity Points and Status Credits and redeem on eligible flights with Air Canada between Brisbane and Vancouver and beyond.

Air Canada General Manager Australia and New Zealand Vic Naughton says the return of non-stop Brisbane to Vancouver services also offers Queenslanders the fastest route from Brisbane to New York.

"Vancouver International Airport exclusively offers Air Canada passengers the opportunity to continue on to cities across Canada without rechecking baggage or passing through extra security checks," says Naughton.

"Passengers continuing on to the United States also don’t need to collect and recheck bags in transit, unlike when transiting through US airports. They simply pass through YVR’s uncrowded US immigration and customs clearance facilities, then continue on to their final destination. That’s how Air Canada is able to once again able offer the fastest service between Brisbane and New York, as well as other US cities like Seattle."

The first Air Canada service to Brisbane since the Covid-19 shutdown is scheduled to arrive in Brisbane at 6:35am and is fully booked. Flight AC36 from Brisbane to Vancouver is scheduled to depart at 10:15am.