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Air Canada is expanding its presence in Japan with a new seasonal route that will become the only nonstop air link between North America and this Japanese city. Beginning in December 2026, the airline will operate flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) 3x per week through March 2027 (timed for Japan’s peak winter tourism season).
The new service opens direct access for North American travelers to Hokkaido, a region celebrated for its snowfall, ski resorts, culinary traditions, hot springs, and the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival. Known for some of the world’s finest powder skiing and snowboarding, Hokkaido has been a growing focus for winter tourism and adventure travel.
Flights will be operated with Boeing 787-8 aircraft. These offer 20 Signature Class (Business Class), 21 Premium Economy, and 214 Economy Class seats. The addition boosts Air Canada’s position as the leading carrier between Canada and Japan and strengthens Vancouver’s role as a major transpacific hub (with the airport now serving as the second-largest Pacific gateway in North America by connectivity). The Sapporo route will complement year-round service to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) as well as seasonal Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) flights.
Air Canada’s Japanese partnerships extend into its onboard experience: Signature Class customers flying between Canada and Japan enjoy dishes designed by Michelin-starred chef Masaki Hashimoto. Travelers heading for the slopes will also benefit from ski equipment being included within regular checked baggage allowances on international itineraries.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said:
Air Canada’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture. With this new service, Air Canada is reinforcing its Vancouver hub as North America’s second largest Pacific gateway, building on strong premium leisure and ongoing travel demand to Japan, while providing yet another sought-after destination for our customers and Aeroplan Members. Whether people are avid snow enthusiasts, cultural or culinary connoisseurs, or global explorers, Air Canada’s new service will make discovering Japan’s vibrant northern regions more convenient than ever.”
Anthony’s Take: For Air Canada flyers and winter travelers alike, the launch unlocks a new premium leisure market and an increasingly sought-after global destination. With direct access to the heart of Hokkaido, the route expands Air Canada’s footprint in Asia at a moment when Japan’s tourism demand continues to surge.
(Image Credits: Air Canada.)
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