Air Canada is to start its first direct service to China from Montreal with daily Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flights to Shanghai from 16 February 2017.

The outbound flight, number AC17 will leave Montreal-Trudeau Airport at 13:30h, landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 16:40h the next day. The Shanghai – Montreal service, number AC18 leaves at 18:15h, landing at 18:40h local time.

Air Canada says flight times are optimised for connections with its Eastern Canada and USA network of cities including Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax, New York and Boston.

Air Canada president and chief executive officer, Calin Rovinescu says: “China is Canada’s second largest trading partner and Air Canada has made a significant investment of more than $1 billion in aircraft and equipment allocated specifically to serve the Chinese market from our Canadian hubs.”

Quebec minister of economy, science, innovation and minister responsible for Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade adds: “This new direct link between Montréal and Shanghai will not only make life easier for travellers, it will also encourage trade. Easier access to this new market will help foster economic development in our communities.”