In December of last year Air China and Air Canada announced they would be expanding their codeshare and lounge service agreements. Now, the two airlines have added more depth to their relationship by unveiling a new joint venture agreement.

The deal will allow the two carriers to not only deepen the codeshares but increase  their commercial partnership on flights between Canada and China, as well as other key domestic routes, in order to offer passengers “greater and sustainable benefits including an unparalleled range of flights, products and services”

Jianjiang Cai, chairman of Air China, said: “The Sino-Canada market is one of the important long-haul markets to Air China, which has been developed rapidly in recent years with an increase of 17.8% in 2017.

“Air China and Air Canada as Star Alliance members have the foundation of a profound cooperation and under a joint venture framework will offer a wider range of products and quality services, and provide more flexible flight choices, favourable fare products and seamless travel experiences for customers.

“Moreover, both parties will take the China-Canada Year of Tourism as an opportunity to support the tourism, trade and culture exchanges for both countries.”

Since 2016 Air Canada has offered a non-stop service between Montreal and Shanghai. This took the number of weekly trans-Pacific flights – including Toronto to Beijing and Vancouver to Shanghai – up to 52.

“Air Canada is honoured to formalise this strategic partnership… during the Canada-China Year of Tourism”

“Our joint venture agreement with Air China, the highly respected flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, is an important strategy in our global expansion as it significantly increases Air Canada’s presence in an aviation market set to become the world’s largest by 2022.

“Air Canada is honoured to formalise this strategic partnership with Air China during the Canada-China Year of Tourism to offer customers travelling between our two countries an unparalleled network and expansive options for travel ease.”

Having served China for more than 30 years, and as demonstrated by Air Canada’s average annual capacity growth of 12.5% over five years and the $2 billion of aircraft assets currently committed on routes between Canada and China, China is an integral part of our global network,” said Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada’s president amd chief executive officer.