Today, Air Canada rouge inaugurated its non-stop seasonal service to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, Japan from Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR). This service will operate up to five times weekly between Vancouver and Osaka for the peak summer travel period of May-October. This new route is the only non-stop flight between KIX and a Canadian airport and will continue to bolster YVR’s current service to Japan; YVR offers the most capacity and frequency to Japan of any other airport in Canada.
“Just in time for our busy summer travel season, we are thrilled that Air Canada rouge has chosen YVR to expand their international route network with non-stop flights to Osaka,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR, we pride ourselves on being the North American gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and this new service reinforces that and further strengthens our air connections to Asia.”
Japan and British Columbia have a long and significant history of cultural and economic links. As the world’s third-largest economy, Japan offers B.C. businesses many opportunities to increase exports by taking advantage of its high demand for energy resources, raw materials, seafood and international education. Air Canada rouge’s new service will generate approximately $7.2 million in Gross Domestic Product, $4.5 million in wages to the B.C. economy and an additional 123 jobs at YVR and B.C.’s hotel, restaurants and tourist attractions.
“Air Canada rouge is proud to continue our expansion in Western Canada with the only non-stop service offered by any airline between Canada and Osaka,” said Michael Friisdahl, President & CEO, Air Canada Leisure Group. “The flights have been timed to connect conveniently in Vancouver to and from Air Canada’s extensive network in North America. Our rouge crews are very much looking forward to welcoming customers onboard these flights and offering the outstanding customer service that is the hallmark of the Air Canada rouge experience. Irasshai!”
Air Canada rouge service between Vancouver and Osaka will operate with a Boeing 767-300 Extended Range aircraft offering a choice of seating options including a premium cabin with additional personal space and enhanced service and options for seating with additional legroom. Flights will depart from Vancouver at 12:05 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arrive in Osaka at 14:55 the following day. Flights from Osaka will depart at 16:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in Vancouver at 10:00 the same day.
For more information on this service including how to purchase tickets, visit www.flyrouge.com.
For further information:
YVR Media Relations
604.880.9815
[email protected]
Twitter: @yvrairport