VANCOUVER — Air Canada will introduce nonstop flights between Vancouver and Osaka, Japan, next summer.

Service to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport will be operated up to five flights per week by Air Canada rouge with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering a choice of economy and premium cabins of service.

Flights are planned to begin May 1, 2015 in time for peak summer travel and seats will be available for purchase once Japanese government approval is obtained.

“We are very pleased to add Osaka to our international route network with the introduction of the only nonstop flights from Canada to Kansai International Airport starting May 1,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines. “We expect this new seasonal service to be particularly popular with vacation travellers from Osaka seeking the renowned scenic beauty, outdoor activities and culture of Vancouver and B.C., as well as with North American customers travelling to Japan’s second largest metropolitan centre. The flights to Kansai International Airport have been timed to connect conveniently at Air Canada’s Vancouver hub to and from our extensive North American network.

“The expansion of Air Canada rouge to compete in the fast-growing Asian leisure market in tandem with Air Canada’s mainline fleet renewal, is a key element of our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth at both airlines. By next summer, Air Canada rouge, Air Canada and Star Alliance partner airline ANA will offer up to six daily nonstop flights between Canada and Japan.”

Air Canada rouge flights from Vancouver to Kansai International Airport are planned to begin May 1, 2015 subject to government approval, and will operate up to five times weekly until Oct. 24, 2015.