Air New Zealand aircraft to return to Vancouver

On Friday morning, 23 February 2007, Air New Zealand confirmed the speculation that it would be recommencing operations to Vancouver (YVR). This time there will be a three times per week non stop from Auckland (AKL) using B777-200 aircraft. The commitment at this stage is only for the coming Southern Hemisphere summer season when Canadians escape their winter and New Zealanders like to try out the skiing in our off season.

The current bilateral arrangements between New Zealand and Canada permit the operation of up to four services per week by the airlines of each side.

Last Monday the Dominion Post carried a story speculating that YVR would be the new long-haul destination for Air New Zealand in 2007. The speculation has already begun in the forums on Airliners.net as to what will be the new long-haul destination for 2008.

Having visited Vancouver and Western Canada a couple of times on holiday I would throughly recommend it. It will also make a great stopover for travellers between New Zealand and the UK, with only one stop and avoiding the hassles of the US.