[photopress:air_canada_flight_190.jpg,full,alignright]Air Canada has slashed its Vancouver-to-Beijing/Shanghai service from 14 flights a week to seven as the airline cuts costs in response to record fuel prices. From October 26, it will fly from Vancouver to Beijing three times a week and from Vancouver to Shanghai four times. It currently offers a daily service to both Chinese cities.
Canada is still trying to nail down an Approved Destination Status deal with China, which would allow more Chinese residents to travel to this country. Even without that status, China remains a vital market for British Columbia
Last year more than 91,000 Chinese residents visited thereputting it ahead of other international markets like Germany, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The average Chinese visitor in 2006 spent more than $2,800.
The airline announced last month it would cut its system capacity by 7% and shed up to 2,000 jobs to become more efficient as fuel costs skyrocket.
University of B.C. associate professor Marc-David Seidel doubts the cutbacks will have a huge impact on travel between Canada and China, noting Air China and China Eastern Airlines still offer regular services from Vancouver to Beijing and Shanghai.
Source: The Vancouver Sun
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