Air Canada Launches Shortest Nonstop Flights to Asia in December

Air Canada is set to introduce its shortest nonstop flights to Asia, with new service to Sapporo commencing on December 17, 2023. This new route marks a significant development as it becomes the only nonstop service from North America to the city in northern Japan, enhancing travel options for both leisure and business travelers.

The introduction of the Sapporo route is particularly noteworthy as it will represent the Star Alliance member’s shortest-ever connection to Asia. Additionally, it establishes a new benchmark for any passenger carrier from Canada and the continental United States to Asia. Notably, this announcement follows closely on the heels of WestJet’s introduction of its longest-ever commercial service.

Details of the New Route

Air Canada will operate flights from its Pacific hub in Vancouver to Sapporo three times a week. The service is seen as a strategic move, especially considering that December is known for winter tourism in Sapporo, which offers skiing and other snow-related activities. According to data from Cirium, Sapporo will become Air Canada’s fourth destination in Japan and its 13th destination in Asia, excluding the Middle East.

The flights will utilize a 255-seat Boeing 787-8, which is Air Canada’s smallest widebody aircraft. This choice is expected to help reduce operating costs and risks while improving load factors, fares, and yields.

Despite the strategic advantages, the existing market between Vancouver and Sapporo is relatively small. Booking data indicates that fewer than 7,000 passengers traveled between the two cities in the year leading up to November 2025. However, Vancouver serves as a critical hub for connecting flights, with significant passenger traffic to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Future Prospects for Air Canada

The new Sapporo route is part of Air Canada’s broader strategy to enhance its Asian network, which is expected to include 19 routes to Asia by 2026, with 18 being nonstop. The average stage length for these routes is approximately 5,428 nautical miles (10,053 kilometers). The Sapporo route covers 3,726 nautical miles (6,901 kilometers), replacing the Vancouver to Tokyo Narita route as the airline’s shortest.

Air Canada has not previously served 13 Asian airports, a record for the airline. The addition of Sapporo follows recent service resumptions to Beijing Capital and Manila, although it has also cut routes to some destinations in Asia, such as Nagoya and Taipei.

While the Sapporo route represents a new opportunity, it will be interesting to monitor its performance given the limited existing market. The airline’s strategy may continue to evolve, potentially including future routes to other unserved Asian cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, which remains a prominent destination for travelers from British Columbia.

The expansion into Sapporo underlines Air Canada’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Canada and Asia, catering to a market that has seen fluctuating demand in recent years. As the airline continues to adapt its route network, it will be pivotal to observe how these new services impact its operational performance and passenger experience.