Air Canada plans direct Melbourne to Vancouver flights on Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air Canada have announced direct flights between Melbourne and Vancouver, with the first service to commence June 3, 2018.

The service will be the first non-stop flight between the two cities, giving an increasing number of Melbourne visitors more opportunity to travel in Canada outside the ski season.

Air Canada will be providing new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the service connecting passengers to Vancouver Airport, which Skytrax have named North America's best for eight years running.

The service will depart Melbourne Airport three times a week, at 9.40am on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Melbourne will be the third capital city Air Canada operates direct flights from, with two daily services already operating from Sydney and Brisbane.

A spokesman from Air Canada said "the addition of a year-round Melbourne service will significantly reduce travel times to Vancouver, from where they can explore British Columbia's world-renowned attractions".

"In addition, it will provide seamless connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and Unites States, including popular cities such as New York, Las Vegas and Boston."

The new route will offer passengers a choice of three cabins; International Business Class (featuring next generation lie-fat pods), Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

It will connect with domestic flights from Adelaide, Hobart and Perth with Air Canada's codeshare partner Virgin Australia.

The expansion is part of a strategic broadening of Air Canada's international network from Vancouver, which is set to include Paris and Zurich in Europe.

Currently, Air Canada operate a seasonal service from Melbourne between December 3 and February 4 to cater for the busy Christmas and ski season.