Aviation

Fiji Airways Expands Vancouver Service as Demand for South Pacific Travel Soars

Fiji Airways increases Vancouver to Nadi flights to three times weekly starting June 16, featuring an expanded British Airways codeshare and year-round service.

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2 weeks ago

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Year-Round Tropical Connectivity from YVR

As Metro Vancouver faces a damp and cool start to spring, Fiji Airways is offering local travelers a permanent escape. The national airline of Fiji has announced it will increase its service from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to three flights per week starting June 16. Unlike seasonal offerings, this expansion is slated to remain year-round, with the airline committing to even higher frequencies during peak travel periods.

Strategic Partnership with British Airways

Beyond increased frequency, Fiji Airways is deepening its global footprint through an expanded codeshare partnership with British Airways. The agreement now includes the Nadi–Vancouver route, providing a more integrated booking experience and seamless connectivity for international travelers. Paul Scurrah, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, noted that these developments are major milestones in the airline’s North American growth strategy, aimed at offering guests greater choice and world-class service standards.

Vancouver as a Critical Asia-Pacific Gateway

The expansion has been welcomed by officials at Vancouver International Airport, who see the move as a reinforcement of the city’s status as a premier transit hub. Mike McNaney, YVR’s Vice-President and Chief External Affairs Officer, stated that the increased service strengthens Canada’s Asia-Pacific gateway, providing travelers with improved access to the South Pacific islands and beyond. The route will feature Fiji Airways’ recently lauded service, which recently earned the APEX World Class 2024 Award for its hospitality and cabin experience.

A Broader Boom in Vancouver Aviation

Fiji Airways is not alone in its optimistic outlook for the Vancouver market. The announcement comes as Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane operator, embarks on its most significant seasonal expansion to date. This includes the return of direct flights to Seattle and new routes to Campbell River and Ucluelet. Collectively, these developments signal a robust recovery and expansion phase for Vancouver’s aviation sector, catering to both international holidaymakers and regional commuters.

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Aviation

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to Retire Amid Mounting Language Controversy

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announces retirement following a national controversy over his English-only response to a fatal flight crash in New York.

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2 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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End of an Era Following Public Backlash

Air Canada announced on Monday that President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau will retire this fall, concluding a nearly twenty-year tenure with the nation’s largest airline. The announcement comes just one week after Rousseau sparked a national firestorm regarding his inability to communicate fluently in French, an issue that became a lightning rod for criticism following a tragic aviation accident.

The Catalyst: Flight 8646 Tragedy

The controversy stems from Rousseau’s response to the crash of Flight 8646 at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22. The aircraft, which departed from Montreal, collided with a fire truck upon landing, resulting in the deaths of Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther. When Rousseau released a video message of condolence the following day, he spoke almost entirely in English, despite the Montreal-based airline’s own policies regarding bilingualism and the fact that Captain Forest was a francophone from Quebec.

Widespread Political Condemnation

The executive’s language choice triggered a swift and severe response from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Rousseau for a lack of judgment and compassion, while Quebec Premier François Legault went as far as to demand the CEO’s resignation. The Bloc Québécois and the National Assembly of Quebec also weighed in, with the latter introducing a formal motion calling for his departure. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages reported receiving nearly 2,200 complaints, highlighting the sensitivity of linguistic rights in Canada.

A Legacy Defined by Language

Despite his efforts to quell the anger by admitting that years of French lessons had not enabled him to speak the language adequately, the apology failed to satisfy critics. While some defenders, including former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, argued that an executive’s focus should remain on safety and operational reliability, the pressure from federal and provincial authorities proved insurmountable. Rousseau is scheduled to appear before the Official Languages Committee in Ottawa before his final departure, marking a tumultuous end to a long career in the aviation industry.

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