Air Canada will launch seven new direct routes including five new destinations in summer 2027, expanding operations from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. This expansion will generate 1,500 new jobs by 2028 and increase Air Canada’s contribution to Canada’s GDP by over $7 billion annually, according to financialpost.com.
New International Destinations from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal
Starting in summer 2027, Air Canada will operate new services from Toronto to Oslo, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France. The airline will also introduce year-round flights from Vancouver to Guangzhou, China, pending government approval. Montréal’s new routes were not specified.
The Vancouver to Guangzhou link will become Air Canada’s third Chinese mainland
destination, joining its existing connections to Beijing and Shanghai. The airline currently operates up to 24 weekly flights across these three Chinese cities.
Air Canada’s Unique Market Positions
Air Canada stands as the only North American carrier flying directly to Guangzhou. It is also the only airline offering nonstop flights to Norway from North America, with Oslo becoming its third Scandinavian route after Stockholm and Copenhagen. Shannon will be Air Canada’s second Irish destination, complementing its service to Dublin and marking the only nonstop connection between Canada and Shannon on Ireland’s west coast.
Official Statements and Strategic Intent
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, said the
new routes represent the most extensive intercontinental expansion in the airline’s history. Galardo noted, “Summer 2027 marks the most extensive intercontinental expansion in Air Canada’s history, cementing our position as the second largest North American carrier by global destinations served.”
Existing Service Levels and Global Network Context
Currently, Air Canada leads North American carriers with service to mainland China, operating up to 24 flights weekly to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This expansion supports the airline’s effort to broaden its global network and enhance service offerings across key international markets.
