Today, Air Canada announced they will operate a seasonal, three-times weekly flight between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting October 20, 2016.
The service will begin in time for Diwali festivities and marks an important milestone in YVR’s future growth. To promote the new route Air Canada is offering introductory fares from $999 round trip, all-in. Tickets are now available for purchase.
.@AirCanada announces direct flights to Delhi on a @Boeing Dreamliner starting in 2016! https://t.co/xdC3yTpDTi pic.twitter.com/fKFfHQReyD
— Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) April 27, 2016
“Air Canada’s upcoming service between Delhi and YVR is a great achievement and a shinning example of how the Dreamliner aircraft is opening up possibilities for new destinations from Vancouver.
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the new route and appreciate Air Canada’s continued focus on growth out of Western Canada,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This highly-requested route between YVR and Delhi will be welcomed by our community and will further establish YVR as a world-class connecting hub between Asia and the Americas.”
Air Canada will use a 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on this route, featuring 30 International Business Class lie-flat pod suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment.
The flights are timed to optimize Air Canada’s Western Canada and US network through YVR. The flight will depart from YVR at 21:40 and arrive in DEL at 01:20(+2) local time. It will depart DEL at 06:30 and will arrive at YVR at 06:55.
“Fantastic news! Our members have been requesting direct service to this market for a long time. Organizations doing business between India and Canada will greatly benefit from this new service,” said Iain Black, President & CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
“A new direct route between Vancouver and Delhi opens up exciting possibilities for travel and trade between Vancouver and one of the world’s most dynamic economies.”
New services such as this are made possible thanks to YVR’s new five-year rates and charges program, ConnectYVR. The program provides a highly competitive rate structure and includes rates lower than any other major airport in Canada and competing US airports.
The new service will add 94 jobs to the B.C. economy, $5.4 million in Gross Domestic Product, $1.9 million in taxes and $3.4 million in wages to the province. In addition, the service will provide BC businesses with access to key markets including universities, new export customers, suppliers and investors.
Located in North India, Delhi is the second most populous city in India with a population of over 16.3 million people. It is an important economic centre, with key sectors including information technology, telecommunications, banking and tourism. Delhi is also a cultural centre, well-known for its significant monuments and historical sites.
