Air Canada has recognised how popular its daily flights from Sydney to Vancouver are, particularly over the North American ski season, and is increasing its direct services from daily to 10 flights per week from 16 December 2012 to 31 January 2013.

Best of all the direct services take you from Sydney non-stop to Vancouver with Whistler only a couple of hours drive away, or onto connecting flights Kelowna (Big White or Silver Star) or Kamloops (Sun Peaks) for no extra cost.  Don’t forget you can also fly onto over 100 additional destinations around Canada and the US.

Fares over this period including taxes and surcharges start from Economy $2,118, Child Economy $1,751 and Executive First $7,093.

Fares are based on travel period 17January -30 January 2013, and must be paid by 14 November 2012.

So what are you waiting for?  See your travel agent or visit www.aircanada.com.

Air Canada to the rescue!

On Tuesday 16 October, AC033 was on its way to Sydney when, around 250 miles away, its crew was asked by Australian Air Traffic Control if they could help locate a yacht which sent out a distress call. 

The crew borrowed binoculars from customers and asked those with window seats on the right hand side of the aircraft to assist.  A reflection from a mirror was spotted.  The crew had found the yacht. It had been dis-masted and the person was standing up.  This was confirmed by a number of passengers who had been keen to assist.   The Boeing 777 flew over the yacht to signal to the occupant they had been spotted, advised Air Traffic Control of the yacht’s position, then proceeded to Sydney, arriving approximately 90 minutes after scheduled arrival.

It is believed the solo yachtsman left Pittwater, Sydney two weeks ago heading for Eden in New South Wales, but had been drifting away from land since last week.  Merchant vessel ANL Benalla arrived alongside the yacht late yesterday afternoon to provide shelter from strong winds until New South Wales water police vessel Nemesis from Sydney arrived to assist the yachtsman at midnight today.

Leggy?
If you’re fortunate to have been blessed with long legs, you can now opt for preferred seating with Air Canada and secure a seat in the bulkhead and exits rows for just CAD120 (A$118).  Do the maths and you’ll find it works out at just $8.50 per hour of flying between here and Vancouver!

You do need to be able to fulfil safety requirements and the seating is available on a first come, first served basis and other terms and conditions, so talk to your travel agent and make sure you get in early.

More 777s next year and Dreamliners on the way in 2014
Air Canada has unveiled a new fleet plan providing for international growth at the mainline carrier as well as its new low-cost leisure airline that will be launched in 2013.

The airline will add two new Boeing 777-300ERs to be delivered in June and September 2013, as well as the 787 Dreamliners in 2014.  Air Canada's Boeing 777 fleet will consist of 20 aircraft comprising the latest generation of 300ER and 200LR models. Air Canada currently operates 56 widebody aircraft and 149 narrowbody aircraft.

Travel stress free with Air Canada’s one of a kind concierge service

Check in for Air Canada’s Executive First class in Sydney and you’ll get more than just a friendly smile and the anticipation of a gorgeously comfortable flat bed, fabulous inflight service you’ll also receive personalised help from the Air Canada concierge.

Distinctly clad in black uniforms, Air Canada concierges really get to know frequent flyers and their needs very well. They can often be found greeting passengers by name on arrival and making sure all their travel needs are met.

With a direct link to concierge guilds in cities around the world, Air Canada concierges assist premium customers with ticketing, connections, upgrades, baggage handling and customs clearance. Concierges are also immediate resources for personal needs and last-minute arrangements such as hotel and restaurant bookings, theatre ticket reservations and limousine service or any other special needs Super Elite and Executive First customers may have.

Where can you find these agents? One hundred and fifty Air Canada Concierge staff members are waiting to help you in 20 airports around the world.  They can be found at the Executive First check-in areas, and frequently visit the Maple Leaf lounge and departure gate areas.