Air Canada To Launch New Service to Kauai, Double Frequency of Western Canada Flights to Hawaii With New Boeing 737 MAX Fleet

Boeing 737 MAX will also be featured on flights to Cancun, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos

MONTREAL, March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Air Canada today announced it will be launching new service to Kauai with its new mainline Boeing 737 MAX-8 fleet this winter.  The airline will also be doubling the frequency of its flights from Western Canada to Hawaii, and all flights from Western Canada to Honolulu, Maui and Kona, and other popular sun destinations will feature Air Canada's new 737 MAX aircraft.  All 737 MAX flights are now available for purchase via the Air Canada app, at aircanada.com and through travel agents.

"The introduction of the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our fleet has given us tremendous flexibility to strategically enhance our already extensive North American network, and offer more flights to popular destinations with more connection options from our YVR and Calgary hub airports.  With 41 weekly flights next winter to Hawaii, we're very pleased to launch new flights to Kauai, as well as double the number of flights from Western Canada and offer day-time return flight options from Honolulu and Maui to Vancouver," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. "The new 737 MAX is the mainstay of our refreshed North American fleet, and customers are already enjoying the next generation of our onboard entertainment system, ample storage space in its generous overhead bins and the ability to stay connected during flight with wi-fi."

"Air Canada is elevating its service to Maui and the island of Hawaii and this is great news for travelers in western Canada who love escaping to two of the most spectacular settings on the planet," said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "More flights, more seats, and new aircraft with top-of-the-line comforts and amenities will enhance the enjoyment of relaxing on beautiful Maui and the majestic island of Hawaii. Plus, the new seasonal service to serene Kauai will give travelers another enticing option to enjoy Hawaii's warmth during winter. We thank Air Canada for their continued investment of confidence in the Hawaiian Islands."

Air Canada is also introducing the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, and with additional frequencies to Cancun and Ixtapa.

Flights are timed to connect conveniently with Air Canada's extensive domestic schedule, provides for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits, and for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at Canadian airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

Air Canada has configured its 737 MAX with two cabins of service: North American Business and Economy. Features of the new aircraft include:

• Premium comfort and ambiance with improved seats and innovative LED mood lighting along the ceiling;
• An upgraded in-flight entertainment system with a sleek, new 15 language user interface. Coming soon, passengers will be able to stream video and audio to their own devices;
• Faster Wi-Fi due to antennas with the highest bandwidth available in the industry, to be available in 2018;
• Upgraded overhead storage space compartments offer additional space for every single passenger to bring a carry-on bag;
• The latest quiet engine technology for up to 40 per cent less noise, meaning more peace and quiet for customers when flying;
• The 737 MAX uses 20 per cent less fuel per seat than the original Next-Generation 737.

Air Canada has 61 firm orders for the 737 MAX. They are to be delivered by 2021, with 18 due to enter the fleet by the end of 2018.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2017 served approximately 48 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 61 in the United States and 98 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which also named Air Canada the 2017 Best Airline in North America.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com/media, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

SOURCE Air Canada