Air Canada plans to launch seven new direct international routes in summer 2027, expanding its network with five new destinations and additional flights on key markets. This expansion will create 1,500 jobs by 2028 and significantly increase the airline’s economic contribution.
New Destinations and Route Expansion
The new routes will operate from Air Canada’s hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. Vancouver will receive a new year-round service to Guangzhou, China, pending government approvals, marking Air Canada’s third destination in mainland China.
Toronto will gain flights to Oslo, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France. Oslo represents Air Canada’s third Scandinavian city served after Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Shannon becomes the airline’s second Irish destination alongside Dublin, with Air Canada as the only carrier offering nonstop flights between Canada and Shannon.
Air Canada’s North American Market Position and China Leadership
Air Canada is currently the largest carrier between Canada and mainland China, operating up to 24 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. It is also the only North American airline providing nonstop service to Norway, reinforcing its distinctive global network reach.
Official Statements and Economic Impact
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, described the launch as “the most extensive intercontinental expansion in Air Canada’s history,” affirming the airline’s status as the second largest North American carrier
by destinations served. The company projects this growth will increase its annual GDP contribution to Canada by more than $7 billion.
Unique Market Access
Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Guangzhou service will make it the only North American carrier to serve that city. Its Toronto-Oslo and Toronto-Shannon routes maintain exclusive nonstop connections to Norway and Shannon from North America, highlighting Air Canada’s unique market positions.
