Air Canada Launching Flights Between Vancouver and Manila

Air Canada and its Vancouver hub have been in the news multiple times over the last few weeks and, they’re back again as the carrier is launching flights to Manila. Flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) are scheduled to launch Spring 2025.

The new route was announced as part of the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission trip to the Philippines, celebrating 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations. This new route is Air Canada’s third South-East Asia destination launched in the last two years.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, had this to say about the new route:

“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.”

Prior to the announcement, the Philippines was the largest market in Asia without direct Air Canada service. Air Canada will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, featuring 30 Signature Class (Business), 21 Premium Economy, and 247 Economy seats.

Flights are scheduled to operate year round, beginning April 2, 2025. The route will begin 3x weekly before moving to 4x weekly on May 1, 2025. Flights will operate westbound on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays and eastbound on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Flights will utilize the following schedule:

Vancouver (YVR) to Manila (MNL)
AC17 Departs: 1:55a Arrives: 6:20a (+1)

Manila (MNL) to Vancouver (YVR)
AC18 Departs: 9:25a Arrives: 6:20a

The flight times have been structured to allow for connections to and from more than 50 destinations across North America via Air Canada’s hub at YVR. For passengers connecting internationally from Manila, Vancouver has in-transit customs pre-clearance to simplify the transit through the airport.

Tickets are currently on sale via Air Canada’s website.

Summary

Air Canada is launching year-round flights between its Vancouver hub and Manila beginning in Spring 2025. The flight will operate 4x weekly using Boeing 787-9 aircraft and becomes the third South-East Asia destination launched by the airline in the last two years.

(Images courtesy Air Canada)