Airlines Air China and Air Canada conclude further cooperation

Both airlines have agreed on expanded codeshare services, as well as extended lounge access for eligible customers. Furthermore, the carriers launched a first joint frequent flyer promotion, in view of the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism. Customers will be able to receive up to 30 per cent bonus miles when booking between April 1, 2018 and June 15, 2018 on all flights between Canada and China, operated by one of the carriers.

The strategic plan is to establish a full joint venture between Air Canada and Air China.

Moreover, the new agreements are intended to further recognize the economic importance between Canada and China. Air Canada operates 35 flights per week between Canada and China, while Air China offers 11 weekly flights between the two countries.

Zhiyong Song, President of Air China Limited said: "Air China and Air Canada have built the foundation of a profound cooperation. Both parties will deepen cooperation on code-sharing, lounge services and frequent flyer programs and will put more efforts into the planned joint venture project," "By offering a wider range of products and quality services, Air China and Air Canada will bring more convenience and options for our customers."

Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada added: "Air Canada and Air China have worked hard over the past several years implementing new routes between Canada and China. In fact, the Canada-China air travel market has grown on average by almost 14 per cent annually over the past six years and this trend is expected to remain strong according to airline industry trade group IATA. As members of Star Alliance, we are pleased to promote our growing cooperation with the first-ever joint frequent flyer promotion with Air China for our customers. Now, we are focused on finalizing a definitive joint venture agreement that will deepen our cooperation in scheduling and sales to offer customers of both airlines additional travel options throughout our respective networks."

New expanded codeshare arrangements will be implemented in April 2018 on Air Canada flights from Vancouver to Victoria, Kelowna, Saskatoon, and Regina, as well as on the Montreal – Shanghai route. Air Canada will place its code on Air China flights between Beijing and Zhengzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen and Nanjing and on flights between Montreal and Havana.

The new lounge agreement will enable Air China´s First and Business customers to visit the International Maple Leaf Lounges at Montreal and Vancouver. Eligible Air Canada passengers are already allowed to access Air China´s lounges at Shanghai, Beijing and other Chinese airports.

Air China Limited is the national flag carrier of China. The airline operates a fleet of 628 aircraft on 408 routes.

Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and serves over 200 airports on six continents. The fleet consists of 170 airplanes.