Air Canada has an incredible long haul route network, and I’d say along with United Airlines, it has the most global reach of any North American carrier. The airline has just announced its newest destination in Asia, and it’s one that I find to be particularly awesome!
AC55 Vancouver to Sapporo departing 1:25PM arriving 3:35PM (+1 day)
AC54 Sapporo to Vancouver departing 7:55PM arriving 11:10AM
The service will operate westbound on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and eastbound on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The 4,288-mile flight is blocked at 9hr10min westbound and 8hr15min eastbound. Fun fact — this will be the shortest “true” transpacific route with regularly scheduled passenger service.
Air Canada will use a Boeing 787-8 for this flight, featuring 255 seats. This includes 20 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 214 economy seats.
Here’s how Air Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Galardo, describes this new service:
“Air Canada’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture. With this new service, Air Canada is reinforcing its Vancouver hub as North America’s second largest Pacific gateway, building on strong premium leisure and ongoing travel demand to Japan, while providing yet another sought-after destination for our customers and Aeroplan Members. Whether people are avid snow enthusiasts, cultural or culinary connoisseurs, or global explorers, Air Canada’s new service will make discovering Japan’s vibrant northern regions more convenient than ever.”
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.




