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Air Canada doubling its flights from Western Canada to Hawaii

New service to Kauai to begin this winter as well as extra flights to Maui, Honolulu, Cancun and Ixtapa
Sandra Thomas
Kauai
Honopu Arch along the Na Pali coastline in Kauai.Istock

Air Canada announced today (March 7) it will be launching additional service to Kauai with its new mainline Boeing 737 MAX-8 fleet this winter. 

The airline will also be doubling the frequency of its flights from Western Canada to Hawaii. All flights from Western Canada to Honolulu, Maui and Kona and other popular sun destinations will feature Air Canada's new 737 MAX aircraft. 

Benjamin Smith, president of passenger airlines at Air Canada, said in a press release that the introduction of the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to the fleet gives the airline the flexibility to enhance its already extensive North American network and offer more flights to popular destinations with more connection options from YVR and Calgary hub airports. 

Air Canada
Umbrellas on the beach fronting the St. Regis Princeville Resort on the north shore of the Island of Kauai. Photo Sandra Thomas

“With 41 weekly flights next winter to Hawaii, we're very pleased to launch new flights to Kauai, as well as double the number of flights from Western Canada and offer day-time return flight options from Honolulu and Maui to Vancouver," said Smith. "The new 737 MAX is the mainstay of our refreshed North American fleet, and customers are already enjoying the next generation of our onboard entertainment system, ample storage space in its generous overhead bins and the ability to stay connected during flight with Wi-Fi."

George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, calls Air Canada’s extended service to Maui and the Island of Hawaii great news for travelers from Western Canada who love escaping to “two of the most spectacular settings on the planet.”

 "More flights, more seats and new aircraft with top-of-the-line comforts and amenities will enhance the enjoyment of relaxing on beautiful Maui and the majestic Island of Hawaii,” said Szigeti. “Plus, the new seasonal service to serene Kauai will give travelers another enticing option to enjoy Hawaii's warmth during winter. We thank Air Canada for their continued investment of confidence in the Hawaiian Islands."

Palm trees
Palm trees at sunset in Kona on the Island of Hawaii. Photo Sandra Thomas

Air Canada is also introducing the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos and more flights to Cancun and Ixtapa. Flights are timed to connect conveniently with Air Canada's extensive domestic schedule, provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits, and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at Canadian airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

Air Canada has configured its 737 MAX with two cabins of service: North American Business and Economy.

Features of the new aircraft include:

  • Premium comfort and ambiance with improved seats and innovative LED mood lighting along the ceiling.
  • Upgraded in-flight entertainment system with a sleek, new 15 language user interface. Coming soon, passengers will be able to stream video and audio to their own devices.
  • Faster Wi-Fi due to antennas with the highest bandwidth available in the industry, to be available in 2018.
  • Upgraded overhead storage space compartments offer additional space for every single passenger to bring a carry-on bag.
  • The latest quiet engine technology for up to 40 per cent less noise, meaning more peace and quiet for customers when flying.
  • The 737 MAX uses 20 per cent less fuel per seat than the original Next-Generation 737.

Air Canada has 61 firm orders for the 737 MAX, which are to be delivered by 2021, with 18 scheduled to enter the fleet by the end of 2018.

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@sthomas10