Air Canada has launched its inaugural direct flight connecting Vancouver and Manila, marking a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between Canada and the Philippines. The inaugural flight, AC17, landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on April 3, 2025, and was welcomed with a special arrival ceremony attended by officials including Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman.
Initially, Air Canada will operate three nonstop weekly flights between Vancouver and Manila throughout April, with plans to increase frequency to four flights per week starting in May 2025. The route utilizes the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering three cabin classes: Signature Class (with lie-flat pods), Premium Economy, and Economy. The aircraft also features in-flight entertainment with content available in English, French, and Tagalog.
This new service is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries, benefiting tourists, families, and business travelers. Tourism officials anticipate that the direct flights will encourage more Canadian tourists to explore the Philippines’ beaches, diving destinations, and cultural sites. Additionally, Filipino exporters are projected to benefit from enhanced cargo capacity aboard the Dreamliner, improving access to Canadian markets.
The launch of this direct service is particularly significant given the substantial Filipino community in Canada, which numbers over 900,000. This development is seen as a major step in reconnecting families, supporting diaspora travel, and deepening transpacific ties between the two nations.
Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier scheduled to serve the Philippines, which was previously the largest market in Asia without direct Air Canada service. The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 2, 2025, using the airline’s flagship Dreamliner aircraft. This addition marks Air Canada’s 12th route in its transpacific network from Vancouver, which includes destinations such as Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
The introduction of this direct flight is also expected to have economic benefits. According to Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport, the launch of this 14-hour non-stop service will generate $46 million in economic value to the region.
In summary, Air Canada’s new direct service between Vancouver and Manila represents a strategic expansion aimed at enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and strengthening cultural and familial ties between Canada and the Philippines.
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