MONTREAL — Air Canada’s new service connecting Vancouver and Bangkok – the only nonstop service between North America and Thailand – has launched.

The airline’s four times weekly, seasonal flights will operate out of YVR until March 26.

A celebration was held at Vancouver International Airport yesterday to mark Air Canada’s inaugural flight AC65, which departed last night from YVR.

“We are thrilled to launch Air Canada’s first nonstop service to Southeast Asia and the only non-stop flights between North America and Thailand. Bangkok is also one of the most visited destinations globally, and we have optimized connections to and from our trans-pacific hub at YVR to give customers convenient travel options to explore this exciting city renowned for its history, cuisine and culture, or to conduct international business trade. This new service from YVR is another step in our ambition to develop this hub into one of the most important trans-pacific gateways in North America. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President – Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

And Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said: “Improving access between countries is crucial to a successful Canadian aviation sector. These flights will allow more travellers to get to their destinations, and will promote growth and prosperity for both Canadian and Thailand’s travel industries.”

Air Canada’s Signature Suite is available to eligible customers at YVR, offering a private, premium experience prior to departure. With the Air Canada Chauffeur Service, eligible connecting international Air Canada Signature Class customers arriving from within Canada will be met by a Concierge before being whisked away on the tarmac in a hybrid or electric Porsche vehicle to the Air Canada Signature Suite. Chauffeur Service offers an airport Premium experience in Canada for international Air Canada Signature Class customers connecting through YVR and also YYZ.