Summary
- Air Canada connects Canada to Asia with a vast network and modern fleet.
- Cathay Pacific serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia from Canadian cities.
- ANA, Korean Air, China Airlines, and EVA Air all offer excellent services on Canada-Asia routes.
The transpacific route between Canada and Asia is one of the most significant in global aviation. It bridles two continents and facilitates economic, cultural, and social exchange. With the increasing demand for travel between these regions, numerous airlines have established strong presences on these routes.
Let’s explore the carriers that operate the most flights between Canada and Asia, highlighting their services, destinations, and overall impact on transpacific travel.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
Air Canada
Air Canada, the nation’s flag carrier, is pivotal in connecting Canada with Asia. As one of the largest airlines in North America, it offers an extensive network of flights to various Asian destinations, including Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong.
Air Canada’s fleet, equipped with modern aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, provides passengers with a comfortable experience.
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The airline’s strong presence in Asia is bolstered by strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements with other major carriers, which enhance connectivity and offer passengers more flight options.
Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, Aeroplan, further incentivizes travel on these routes by offering a range of benefits and rewards.
According to Air Canada, these are the routes operated:
- Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo (NRT/HND), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN)
- Toronto (YYZ) to Tokyo (NRT/HND), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN)
- Montreal (YUL) to Tokyo (NRT/HND), Shanghai (PVG)
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific is a significant player in the transpacific market, particularly on routes connecting Canada to Southeast Asia.
With direct flights from Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is a gateway for passengers traveling to Southeast Asian destinations, including the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Photo: alphonsusjimos | Shutterstock
Cathay Pacific is renowned for its superb service, comfortable seating, and exceptional in-flight dining options. The airline operates a fleet of modern long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, ensuring a pleasant journey across the Pacific.
Additionally, its membership in the oneworld alliance allows passengers to enjoy seamless travel experiences and access to a global network of flights.
According to Cathay Pacific, these are the routes operated:
- Hong Kong (HKG) to Vancouver (YVR)
- Hong Kong (HKG) to Toronto (YYZ)
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of Japan’s largest and most prestigious airlines, maintains a strong presence on transpacific routes to Canada. ANA offers direct flights from Tokyo to major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, facilitating travel between the two nations.
The airline’s commitment to punctuality, service quality, and passenger comfort makes it a popular choice among travelers.
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ANA’s partnership with Air Canada, as part of the Star Alliance network, enhances connectivity and provides passengers with numerous options for seamless travel across North America and Asia.
The airline’s Mileage Club loyalty program also offers benefits that appeal to frequent travelers on these routes. In recent times, ANA airlines have come under PR heat, as in an effort to cut Co2 emissions, it has asked passengers to empty their bladder before boarding.
According to All Nippon Airways, these are the operated routes:
- Tokyo (Narita) to Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL)
- Tokyo (Haneda) to Vancouver (YVR)
Korean Air
Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier, has become a key player in the transpacific market. The airline offers direct flights from Seoul to Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, providing vital connections for business and leisure travelers.
Korean Air’s extensive network across Asia also makes it a preferred choice for those connecting to destinations beyond South Korea.
Photo: Komenton | Shutterstock
Korean Air is known for its excellent service, including in-flight cuisine highlighting Korean culinary traditions. The airline’s modern fleet, which includes the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air offers passengers additional benefits, including access to a broader network and enhanced travel conveniences.
According to Korean Air, these are the operated flights:
- Seoul (Incheon International Airport, ICN) to Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ)
Who else operates these routes?
According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, there are a plethora of carriers operating these routes, making the connections of the two regions a highly competitive market. Let’s take a look:
Airline |
Flights |
Seats |
ASMs |
---|---|---|---|
Air Canada (AC) |
742 |
245,825 |
1,514,841,160 |
Cathay Pacific (CX) |
210 |
73,064 |
525,743,208 |
Korean Air (KE) |
151 |
41,177 |
235,457,005 |
Air India (AI) |
124 |
42,408 |
300,693,924 |
EVA Air (BR) |
124 |
42,572 |
288,075,740 |
WestJet (WS) |
89 |
28,480 |
144,198,720 |
Philippine Airlines (PR) |
88 |
31,208 |
217,598,436 |
China Airlines (CI) |
62 |
18,972 |
113,300,784 |
Japan Airlines (JL) |
62 |
11,568 |
54,068,832 |
All Nippon Airways (NH) |
62 |
14,618 |
69,777,962 |
ZIPAIR Tokyo (ZG) |
44 |
12,760 |
59,640,240 |
Pakistan International Airlines (PK) |
36 |
11,160 |
78,295,460 |
China Southern Airlines (CZ) |
10 |
3,600 |
27,874,800 |
Hainan Airlines (HU) |
10 |
2,890 |
18,429,530 |
China Eastern Airlines (MU) |
10 |
3,140 |
22,315,980 |
Sichuan Airlines (3U) |
8 |
2,668 |
16,610,968 |
XiamenAir (MF) |
8 |
2,288 |
14,002,560 |
TOTAL |
1,840 |
588,598 |
3,700,925,309 |
Have you flown on any of these carriers between Asia and Canada? Let us know in the comments!
Bridging two continents
The transpacific routes between Canada and Asia are vital corridors for global travel, with numerous airlines competing to provide the best services and connectivity.
Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, China Airlines, and EVA Air are key players, each offering unique advantages and extensive networks.
Photo: viper-zero | Shutterstock
These airlines connect passengers between Canada and Asia and contribute significantly to these regions’ economic and cultural exchange.
As travel demand continues to grow, these carriers will likely expand their services and enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers annually. Whether for business or leisure, travelers can rely on these airlines for efficient, comfortable, and memorable journeys across the Pacific.