More Global Choices, More Cities, More Sunshine Next Winter: Air Canada Adds Quito, More Europe Year-Round and Resumes Calgary-Mexico Routes

Executive Summary

• Air Canada announced a major winter network expansion adding new routes to Quito, year‑round service to Manchester and Copenhagen, and sun destinations from Calgary, plus increased frequencies to Latin America.
• The expansions are enabled by a new Airbus A321XLR base at Toronto‑Pearson and include the first non‑stop North America‑to‑Sapporo service announced earlier.
• Flights are now on sale and will begin operation in December 2026 (or October 2026 for year‑round Europe routes).

Key Details

• Quito Service: 3×/wk from Montréal (Wed, Fri, Sun) and 1×/wk from Toronto (Sat) starting early Dec 2026 on Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner; return flights similarly scheduled. Season runs Dec 4 2026 – Mar 26/27 2027.
• Year‑Round Europe: Toronto–Manchester and Toronto–Copenhagen become year‑round effective Oct 25‑28 2026, operated with Airbus A321XLR featuring Signature Class lie‑flat seats.
• Calgary Sun Flights: Non‑stop to Cancun (4×/wk) and Puerto Vallarta (3×/wk) launching Dec 10‑11 2026 on Air Canada Rouge Boeing 737 MAX; includes free beer, wine, premium snacks, and Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members.
• Latin America Winter Schedule Enhancements (2026‑27 vs 2025‑26):
• Toronto–Rio & Toronto–Lima resume Oct 24 2026, six weeks earlier than prior year; Lima frequency increases to 3×/wk.
• Montréal–Lima resumes Oct 25 2026, up to 3×/wk.
• Montréal‑Santiago resumes Nov 26 2026, increasing to 4×/wk.
• Montréal‑Bogotá frequency rises to 4×/wk (from 3×).
• Aircraft & Cabin Offerings: Quito flights on Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner with Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy; Calgary routes on Boeing 737 MAX with premium/economy cabins.
• Strategic Rationale: Expansion leverages strong demand in Latin America, cargo opportunities, and the new A321XLR base to enhance hub connectivity and capture leisure travel growth.

Notable Quotes

“Our expanded winter schedule further cements our hubs as premier global gateways… delivering more compelling opportunities for our customers and Aeroplan Members.” – Mark Galardo, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, President of Cargo, Air Canada.

“We are continuing our strategic expansion into Latin America… leveraging a new Airbus A321 XLR base at Toronto‑Pearson to enable year‑round service to Copenhagen and Manchester.” – Mark Galardo, Air Canada.