Air Canada launches new flight routes to Portugal
Unleashing Summer Vibes: Air Canada's new Seasonal Flight to Porto
In an exciting twist for travel enthusiasts, Margaret Skinner, Air Canada's big cheese, has announced a brand-new, nonstop service from Montreal to Porto, Portugal. This flight joins Air Canada's existing routes to Lisbon from both Montreal and Toronto.
Set to take off from June 4 to August 28, 2025, this seasonal flight will operate three times a week, offering an exquisite journey aboard Airbus A330-300 aircraft with three classes of service.
When asked about the possibility of extending this service beyond summer, Skinner shared her ambitions. "We always kick things off with a seasonal service," she said, adding, "Our goal is to encourage travel and gradually expand, eventually offering some of these services throughout the year."
Porto might just be the cherry on top of Air Canada's sundae, as a substantial chunk of the planes are expected to be booked by travelers hailing from Canada and abroad, eager to experience Portugal's charm. In addition, Skinner hopes to cater to customers beyond Canada, connecting them to Air Canada's rapidly expanding network, which encompasses Mexico, Latin America, South America, and the US.
Emphasizing the growing importance of Canadian tourists in Portugal, the president of Turismo do Porto e Norte, Luís Pedro Martins, spoke during the service's presentation in Porto. He shared that an impressive 52% of trips abroad made by Canadian tourists will be by air in 2024, with 72.5% venturing outside the high season. Lisbon ranks tenth for Porto and the North, while the market for Porto and the North grew an impressive 19%, reaching 283 thousand overnight stays in 2024.
In essence, Air Canada's strategy revolves around delivering a top-notch, seasonal service during peak demand months, catering to both leisure travelers and visiting family and friends (VFR), while capitalizing on connections via the Montreal hub for passengers traveling from North America to secondary European cities.
As of now, Air Canada has not revealed any plans for an all-year-round service for this route, opting instead to focus on high-demand periods, maximizing the value of their resources during the summer months, and ensuring a seamless travel experience for their passengers. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to savor the Portuguese sunshine! 🚀🌞🇵🇹💪
Travelers can now anticipate a stunning journey to Porto, Portugal, with Air Canada's new seasonal flight commencing on June 4, 2025, offering an exquisite new travel opportunity. This move makes it easier for Canadians and international tourists to experience Portugal's charm, as part of Air Canada's broader goals to connect customers with its expanding network, encompassing Mexico, Latin America, South America, and the US.