Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high

Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence.

Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights for the holiday season, offering travellers a swift journey from Bangkok to Vancouver in approximately 13 hours. The airline plans to increase flight frequency to daily flights between January and February, extending the operating season until May to encompass the Songkran Holidays.

In addition, individuals who have held a US visa in the past 10 years can now apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

This good news comes on the back of Thai Airways International reinstating nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile.

The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Narathiwat, Phuket, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani. Phuket is set to have 56 services each week, while Chiang Mai will have 35 and Khon Kaen 28.

Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, revealed that the airline is utilising 20 Airbus A320 planes as well as pilots and flight attendants from Thai Smile Airways. He also noted that Thai Smile’s operating licence is due to expire in January, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Thai Airways is gearing up for a jaw-dropping fleet expansion with a plan to soar with 90 new aircraft.

Sources reveal that Thai Airways is mulling over snagging nearly 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and a diverse array of Airbus models. But here’s the plot twist – negotiations with Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc over engines might just be the make-or-break moment. Read more HERE.