Acrobats on stilts, flaming bars and clowns juggling hats … there was real Cirque du Soleil atmosphere as hundreds of travel trade partners and media representatives in Sydney joined Air Canada executives on Wednesday evening at Simmer on the Bay, Walsh Bay to celebrate the carrier’s new non stop flights between Sydney and Vancouver.
Air Canada will become the only airline to offer non stop flights between Australia and Canada on December 16 when it launches daily 777-300ER services.
The new flight will cut more than three hours off the current one stop service via Vancouver and is timed to offer Australian travellers a wide range of connections and from points throughout North America.
[Pictured: Guests arriving at Air Canada’s launch party were greeted in high rise style.]
Air Canada will operate the route using B777-300ER aircraft – configured with 42 Executive First Suites and 307 Economy Class seats – until February 1, 2008 when it introduces state-of-the-art B777-200LR aircraft offering 42 Executive First Suites and 228 Economy Class seats.
Each suite which incorporates Air Canada’s new private and spacious lie-flat beds is also equipped with convenient work surfaces, a 12.1” individual video screen, a selection of on-demand entertainment and seating for guests.
[Pictured below: Air Canada’s Yves Dufreshe, Vice President International Alliances & Regulatory Affairs, Air Canada, unveils the new Executive First Suite.]
All passengers will have access to digital quality personal seatback entertainment with 80 hours of video and 50 hours of audio on demand.
Air Canada has also enhanced comfort for economy class passengers by introducing a 31 – 33 in. seat pitch and adjustable head and foot rests.
Founded in 1937, Air Canada was voted North America’s Best Airlines in the World Airline Awards in 2007.
Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel and Lifestyle Editor
