Air Canada strengthens cooperation with Air China

Air Canada is deepening its ties with Air China, with expanded codesharing and loyalty cooperation.

The two airlines have agreed to expand codesharing ahead of the upcoming 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.

Air Canada’s new Montreal-Shanghai daily flight will be added, along with domestic routes from Vancouver to Victoria, Kelowna, Saskatoon, and Regina.

Likewise, Air Canada cuistomers can book through tickets via Air China’s onward services between Beijing and Zhengzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen and Nanjing and its Montreal-Havana route.

The expanded codeshare agreement kicks in from April 2018.

"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% annually over the past six years and this trend is expected to remain strong according to airline industry trade group IATA," said Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada president and CEO of Air Canada, speaking in Beijing.

The Star Alliance carriers rolled out a joint frequent flyer promotion offering up to 30% bonus miles on eligible flights for respective Aeroplan and PhoenixMiles members.

They have also expanded a reciprocal lounge access agreement.

Air Canada serves China with up to 35 nonstop flights per week from hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.