Air Canada is to start summer flights between Gatwick and Toronto through its budget Rouge brand.
The move is likely to put the airline in competition with fellow Canadian carrier Westjet, which is due to start services between Gatwick and Canada from June 2016, although it has not yet named any Canadian destinations.
Air Canada Rouge will operate from Gatwick to Toronto up to seven times per week from May 19, 2016, using a Boeing 767-300ER with 256 economy seats and 24 premium seats.
The budget brand is also planning to introduce year-round flights between Montreal and Lyon from June 16, 2016.
Benjamin Smith, Air Canada’s president of passenger airlines, said: “Our new seasonal Air Canada Rouge service between Toronto and Gatwick airport will complement our extensive operation at Heathrow, our largest gateway outside Canada with non-stop service from eight Canadian cities.
“Air Canada Rouge is ideally-suited to serve Gatwick, with its focus on leisure travel and provide easy access to southern London.
“This new service will also make us the only Canadian carrier serving multiple airports in the London region and complements our Air Canada rouge service to Manchester and Edinburgh.”
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