Air Canada is set to expand its ultra-long-haul network in 2026 with around 10 new long-duration routes, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading long-haul carriers. According to schedule data submitted to OAG, the airline plans to operate an average of 120 daily long-haul departures between May and December, ranking it as the 11th-largest airline globally in this segment.
The airline’s long-haul capacity already surpasses major global players like KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. With operations spread across multiple hubs, Air Canada contributes nearly 36% of Canada’s long-haul flights, a figure that increases to almost 50% when combined with its partners in the Star Alliance network.
One of the most notable routes is the Toronto–Vancouver–Sydney service, which reaches a maximum block time of 23 hours 35 minutes, making it one of the longest scheduled journeys in commercial aviation. Operated using the long-range Boeing 777-200LR, this same-plane, same-flight-number service runs daily year-round and even exceeds the longest one-stop services offered by Emirates.
Flight durations vary seasonally, with the longest times recorded during the northern winter due to stronger headwinds, while summer operations typically reduce total travel time to around 22 hours 25 minutes. The route offers flexibility, allowing passengers to travel the full journey or choose segments such as Toronto–Vancouver or Vancouver–Sydney, enhancing connectivity across continents.
