MONTREAL — Air Canada will launch a new, nonstop service between Toronto and Rio de Janeiro beginning Dec. 11, 2014.

The year-round flights will complement Air Canada’s existing daily nonstop service to Sao Paulo.

“Air Canada is very pleased to become the only carrier offering nonstop flights between Canada and the storied Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Celebrated for such landmarks as Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches at Ipanema and Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro is also a vibrant cultural and business centre that is home to major global corporations and host to international events such as the annual Carnival and the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The service will complement our Toronto-Sao Paulo route, meaning Air Canada will now offer two destinations in Brazil, one of the largest and most vibrant economies in the world, and strengthens our position as the only carrier flying nonstop between Canada and South America,” said Benjamin Smith, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada.

“This new service is timed for convenient connections to our network at our Toronto Pearson hub, including to Tokyo-Haneda, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, and further expands Air Canada’s global reach from Toronto. All flights will offer our International Business Class with lie flat seats, complimentary seatback entertainment throughout the aircraft, and in Toronto access to our International Maple Leaf Lounge and concierge services for eligible customers.”

Flights are now available for sale and commence operating, three days a week, beginning Dec. 11, 2014. The service will be provided with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 24 International Business Class and 187 Economy seats. The flights will also be timed to offer convenient onward connections from Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport on Air Canada’s interline partners.