Air Canada hopes its restarted Auckland-Vancouver service becomes a first choice for Kiwis

Air Canada has recently resumed its direct service between Auckland and Vancouver after halting it during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's one of several major international routes being restarted as 2022 draws to a close, kicking off a few weeks before Emirates relaunches its daily Auckland-Dubai service on the mighty A380. But not many airlines would have ambitions for this part of the world as big as those of Air Canada. The country's flag carrier is hoping to move being a lesser-known airline in Aotearoa to instead being one of the most popular options for Kiwis travelling to North America. The strategy is to provide a great, award-winning in-flight service with conveniences not offered by other airlines, and in particular using Vancouver International Airport. "Having Vancouver Airport as our hub really sets us apart because it makes it that much easier flying into North America," Vic Naughton, Air Canada's general manager Australia and New Zealand, told Newshub. "If you have to stop somewhere on the way to your final destination in North America, going through Vancouver Airport is the only way to do it and not have to collect your baggage as you transit." As well as having their luggage checked through, Kiwis stopping in Vancouver on the way to the US can pre-clear US customs and immigration formalities in Canada before boarding their connecting flight. "It's just a lot more efficient and seamless. That's what we offer that no one else does," said Naughton.<br/>