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.

An Air Canada Boeing 787 Dreamliner on final approach into LAX.

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.

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 landing

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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The airline roared back to life once all travel restrictions were lifted in Northeast Asia.

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.

Korean Air A380 on ground

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.

ZIPAIR Boeing 787-8

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.


  • /wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EVA-Air-Boeing-777-35EER-B-16707-1000x667.jpg

    EVA Air

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    BR/EVA

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Taoyuan International Airport

    Year Founded:
    1989

    Alliance:
    Star Alliance

    CEO:
    Chen Hsien-Hung

    Country:
    Republic of China

  • ANA Tile

    All Nippon Airways

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    NH/ANA

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport

    Year Founded:
    1952

    Alliance:
    Star Alliance

    CEO:
    Koji Shibata

    Country:
    Japan

    Region:
    Asia

  • Japan-Airlines-Q1-Loss-Falls

    Japan Airlines

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    JL/JAL

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport

    Year Founded:
    1951

    Alliance:
    oneworld

    CEO:
    Yuji Akasaka

    Country:
    Japan

  • Cathay Pacific Tile

    Cathay Pacific

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    CX/CPA

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Hong Kong International Airport

    Year Founded:
    1946

    Alliance:
    oneworld

    CEO:
    Ronald Lam

    Country:
    China (Special Administrative Region)

    Region:
    Asia

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