Air Canada to launch non-stop Vancouver to Delhi flight
Posted April 27, 2016 9:06 am.
Last Updated April 28, 2016 6:21 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – The ties between BC and India will increase this fall when Air Canada begins non-stop flights to Delhi.
Starting October 20th it will fly a Boeing 787 between Vancouver and Delhi three times a week, through April 8th. A direct Vancouver-Delhi flight has been “highly requested,” according to YVR CEO Craig Richmond, who adds this will create dozens of jobs.
The airline began flying non-stop to Delhi from Toronto last fall. The Dreamliner’s range makes the 16 and a half hour flight from BC possible.
“The cultural ties between India and British Columbia reach back 100 years, and with increasing trade and investment links, those ties are growing stronger every year,” says Premier Christy Clark. “Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Delhi route reflects the increasing importance of our relationship with India.”
Air Canada executive Benjamin Smith says the route will also offer the shortest flying time to the Indian city from Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.
“The Canada-India Business Council is thrilled to hear that Air Canada will be offering yet another direct service to India via Vancouver. These direct routes facilitate speedy travel for those considering and currently doing business in India,” commented Gary Comerford, President & CEO, Canada-India Business Council.
This is also significant on a social level by helping families reconnect. “At times language becomes a problem. If seniors are changing (planes) in Europe or even China, it’s very difficult for them to really be able to communicate and make sure they get on the right flight. Families are always concerned,” says Dr. Nisha Malhotra, an International Trade expert at UBC.
She adds the direct flight will encourage more families to make the trip and reconnect. “I’m always concerned when my in-laws are travelling to and from. And if they have to travel in China, they have a difficult time. In countries when they the same language, or don’t speak
English, it becomes more difficult for those families,”
The service from Vancouver will coincide with Diwali festivities.
