Air Canada has unveiled its latest international expansion, introducing non-stop flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR | CYVR) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL | RPLL), set to commence on 02 April 2025. This marks Air Canada’s first direct route to the Philippines, an announcement made during the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, which also celebrates 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.
The route, operating four times weekly on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reflects Air Canada’s strategy to tap into high-growth markets. “We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada’s Pacific gateway hub. We continue to pursue our international network strategy of expanding to large, fast-growing markets that are presently unserved directly by Air Canada. The Philippines is an important market reflecting longstanding family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities. With an extensive domestic and transborder network in Vancouver designed to connect seamlessly to our international flights, we are making travel between North America and the Philippines even more convenient for leisure and business travellers alike. It is with great excitement that we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard next spring,” according to Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning.
A Milestone for Canada-Philippines Relations
The new route, designed to enhance cultural and economic ties, has been lauded by Canadian officials. Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, highlighted the initiative as a step towards fostering stronger connections and economic growth. Premier David Eby of British Columbia emphasized the route’s significance for the province’s Filipino Canadian community, while Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim welcomed the new service as a meaningful bridge for families and businesses.
The service aligns with Air Canada’s broader transpacific strategy, now featuring 12 routes from Vancouver, including destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, and Southeast Asia. Next summer, Air Canada plans to operate over 180 weekly flights across the Pacific, doubling its seat capacity since 2022.
Exceptional Onboard Experience
Passengers will enjoy Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner experience, with three cabin options: Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. The airline offers over 1,400 hours of in-flight entertainment, including exclusive content from Apple TV+ and Disney+. Eligible travelers can access the Vancouver Signature Suite and the Maple Leaf Lounge.
Boosting Trade and Tourism
The direct flights are expected to generate $46 million in economic value for the Vancouver region. “Today’s announcement by Air Canada of a new international route connecting Vancouver and Manila, the capital of Canada’s third-largest export market within ASEAN, will only deepen our strong people-to-people links and economic connections to the Philippines and add momentum to Canada’s renewed engagement with the rapidly growing economies of Southeast Asia,” said Jeff Nankivell, President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. Bridgitte Anderson of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade highlighted its potential to bolster trade and investment, with Canada-Philippines bilateral trade reaching $3.4 billion in 2023.
Tickets are now available for purchase on Air Canada’s website, with Manila-origin bookings opening soon. This new service marks a significant step in deepening ties between Canada and the Philippines while enhancing travel convenience for both leisure and business passengers.
| Flight Number | From | To | Day of Week | ETD | ETA | Effective Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC17 | Vancouver (YVR) | Manila (MNL) | Mon, Wed, Fri | 0155H | 0620H +1 | 02-30 APR 2025 |
| AC18 | Manila (MNL) | Vancouver (YVR) | Tue, Thu, Sat | 0925H | 0620H | 03 APR 2025 to 01 MAY 2025 |
| AC17 | Vancouver (YVR) | Manila (MNL) | Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | 0155H | 0620H +1 | Starting 01 MAY 2025 |
| AC18 | Manila (MNL) | Vancouver (YVR) | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | 0925H | 0620H | Starting 02 MAY 2025 |