Air Canada to launch direct YUL-PVG flight

Air Canada will launch daily year-round flights from Montreal to Shanghai on Feb. 16, 2017, marking the carrier’s direct service to China from Montreal as well as the introduction of Air Canada’s new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on flights departing from Montreal.

In Montreal, flights are timed to optimize connections to and from the carrier's extensive Eastern Canada and U.S. networks including Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax, New York and Boston.

In Shanghai, Star Alliance partners Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, along with partner Juneyao Airlines with whom Air Canada will launch an interline agreement in the coming weeks, offer connectivity to domestic China destinations such as Chengdu, Chongqing and Shenzhen.

The new route goes on sale on Sept. 28.

"Building on Air Canada's success in the rapidly growing Chinese market we are delighted to announce Air Canada's first direct flights between Montreal and China with the launch of Montreal-Shanghai service next year," said Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada's president and CEO. "This also marks the introduction of Air Canada's first 787 Dreamliner aircraft service from Montreal, further underlining our commitment to expand our global reach and reinforce Montreal-Trudeau as a strategic hub. With today's announcement, Air Canada has increased its international capacity from Montreal by 133 per cent since 2009, with direct service to 13 cities in Europe, North Africa and China.”

Rovinescu added that “China is Canada's second largest trading partner and Air Canada has made a significant investment of more than $1 billion in aircraft and equipment allocated specifically to serve the Chinese market from our Canadian hubs.”