Air Canada will introduce seven new direct international routes in summer 2027, expanding its global network and creating 1,500 new jobs by 2028 while increasing the airline’s contribution to Canada’s GDP by more than $7 billion annually.
Details of the New Routes from Canadian Hubs
The airline will launch year-round service from Vancouver International Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, pending government approvals. This addition will mark Air Canada’s third destination in mainland China, alongside Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Air Canada remains the only North American carrier servicing Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in the Pearl River Delta.
From Toronto
Pearson International Airport, the airline is set to begin flights to Oslo Airport Gardermoen in Norway, Shannon Airport in Ireland, and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France. The Toronto-Oslo route will be Air Canada’s third Scandinavian destination, after Stockholm and Copenhagen, continuing its position as the only North American airline offering non-stop flights to Norway.
Shannon Airport will become Air Canada’s second destination in Ireland, complementing its established service to Dublin. The airline holds the exclusive position of providing non-stop flights between Canada and Shannon, located on Ireland’s west coast.
Official Statements and Market Position
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer,
described the summer 2027 expansion as the largest intercontinental growth in the airline’s history. He said it will reinforce Air Canada’s ranking as the second largest North American carrier by number of global destinations served.
Currently, Air Canada operates up to 24 weekly flights to mainland China through Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This expansion aligns with its status as the leading carrier between Canada and mainland China.
Strategic Context of Network Expansion
The new routes form part of Air Canada’s strategic plan to broaden its international reach and strengthen its network connectivity. The expansions out of major Canadian airports—Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, and Montréal–Trudeau International—will
increase traveler options and enhance the airline’s footprint across key global markets.
