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World’s largest passenger aircraft lands at YVR
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Airline Technology:
On May 1, 2016, YVR welcomed British Airways’ inaugural A380 flight on its existing London Heathrow (LHR) to YVR route. The A380 is the world’s largest passenger aircraft and will fly throughout the summer on British Airways’ daily service between Vancouver and London, Heathrow. This marks the first A380 service to YVR. “This is a big day at YVR,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority as he welcomed the inaugural flight. “British Airways has been providing
passengers with an exceptional travel experience to London for many years. And now, with the introduction of the A380 on its London to Vancouver route, there is an even bigger reason to fly. Choosing Vancouver as [its] first Canadian destination to be served by an A380 is a testament to British Airways’ support of YVR as a world-class hub airport. This new aircraft will stimulate the market and increase tourism opportunities across British Columbia.” YVR has been A380-ready since 2006, when the aircraft touched down in Vancouver
(Left to right) Rupert Potter, consul general of Britain in Vancouver; Robert Antoniuk, British Airways’ vice president customer service, North America West; Craig Richmond, president & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.
as part of a global test-flight schedule. The new service signifies British Airways’ confidence in YVR’s ability to
handle and service the aircraft and in the city’s ability to support the route. YVR will be the only air-
port in Western Canada to welcome scheduled service from the superjumbo. See BRITISH AIRWAYS page 2
WestJet begins transatlantic Vancouver-London service WestJet has begun new non-stop transatlantic service between six Canadian cities and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto began on Friday, May 6, 2016, while service from Edmonton, Winnipeg and St. John’s began on Saturday, May 7, 2016. WestJet will fly a total of 56 weekly flights in both directions between Canada and London, including the
only non-stop transatlantic service available from Winnipeg. Flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to LGW will operate sixtimes weekly from May to October 21, 2016. The route will be served by one of WestJet’s 767-300 extended-range aircraft, each of which seats 262 guests. The aircraft includes a Plus cabin with 24 premium seats in a two-by-two-by-two con-
WestJet will use its Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on its new transatlantic YVR to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) service.
figuration, hot meals and all other amenities associated with Plus. The main cabin has 238 seats, with two seats
on either side of the aircraft and three in the middle. All of the airline’s 767s will be equipped with WestJet
Connect, the airline’s new inflight entertainment and wireless connectivity system.
See WESTJET page 3
Air Canada to launch non-stop Vancouver-Delhi service Delta’s baggagetracking system PG
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16 GREATEST SHOW ON BRITISH PGWHEELS
FM 2016 • SAT , MAY 21 • 2016
Celebrating 120 Years
Starting October 20, 2016, Air Canada will operate a seasonal, threetimes weekly flight between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The service will begin in time for Diwali, one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, and marks an important milestone in YVR’s future growth. “Air Canada’s upcoming service between Delhi and YVR is a great achievement and a shining example of how the Dreamliner aircraft is opening up possibilities for new destinations from Vancouver,” said Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the new route and appreciate Air Canada’s continued focus on growth out of Western Canada. This
lie-flat pod suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats, with upgraded in-flight entertainment. The flights are timed to optimize Air Canada’s Western Canada and U.S. network through YVR. Flight will depart from YVR on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:40pm and arrive in DEL at 1:20am (plus 2 days) local time. Flights will depart DEL on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays at 6:30am and SAT , MAY 21 • 2016 arrive at YVR at 6:55am. “[This is] fantastic news,” said Iain Black, president and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “Our members have been requesting direct service to this market for a long time. Organizations doing business between
THE GREATEST SHOW ON BRITISH WHEELS ABFM 2016 •
Air Canada will operate its new Vancouver-Delhi service flying state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
highly requested route between YVR and Delhi will be welcomed by our community and will further establish YVR as a world-class connecting hub between
Asia and the Americas.” Air Canada willCelebrating use a 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on120 thisYears route, featuring 30 International Business Class
THE GREATEST SHOW ON BRITISH WHEELS
ABFM SATURDAY MAY 21
VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN 3 7 T H & O A K , VA N C O U V E R
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WIN a Trip for two to Britain with Air Transat WIN a trip to the Yukon with Air North Paying Tribute SEE 500-plus classic cars and motorcycles to 58 Years ENJOY Brass Band music, Food Trucks, Land Rover Sponsors & Vendors Series 11 Skip the line and buy your advance tickets online.
* YVR is the international aeronautical designation for Vancouver International Airport.
Featuring
See AIR CANADA page 3