[oz_mark]

From NineMSN

Vancouver-Sydney air service announced

Air Canada will start daily non-stop services between Sydney and Vancouver by the end of the year.

Airline boss Jeannie Foster says the non-stop route, starting on December 14, will cut more than three hours from the current one-stop trip via Honolulu.

Ms Jeannie says one of the most important issues for Australian travellers will be the ability to bypass US Customs and Security procedures

[Kiwi Flyer]

AC must be worried NZ's YVR-AKL connecting to SYD would take customers away from their direct flight with a stop in USA (and all the hassles that entails).

Interesting. Wonder if this will pressure NZ to offer the route year round (currently only planned for southern summer)?

[NM]

Schedules yet to be updated. EF is still showing a one-stop A343 or 763 operation after the 14th December date quoted here. They have been wanting to go non-stop for some time now but the A343 cannot do it non-stop in both directions. So I assume they are going to be bringing their new A340-500 or 777 aircraft so that also mores new business class config. The December commencement date will be due to requiring new aircraft deliveries to operate the service (they only have one 777-300 and teo A340-500s in their fleet currently).

This pic is from 767, but the A340-500 and 777s have the same seats in 1x2x1 config.

[Kiwi Flyer]

It is 777 according to news release link

[Kiwi Flyer]

The seating is similar to NZ's (and VS) - same basic design but slightly modified. I've heard it is slightly narrower and shorter (ie wider aisles and smaller seatprint). Hopefully I'll get a chance to compare later this year.

[NM]

Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer

The seating is similar to NZ's (and VS) - same basic design but slightly modified. I've heard it is slightly narrower and shorter (ie wider aisles and smaller seatprint). Hopefully I'll get a chance to compare later this year.

Probably had to do that to fit it into the 767 aircraft.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by NM

This pic is from 767, but the A340-500 and 777s have the same seats in 1x2x1 config.

Is it my imagination or are those seats at a 45 degree angle?

[NM]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Is it my imagination or are those seats at a 45 degree angle?

They are basically the same as the NZ and VS seats/beds. On a 777 or 747 they have 4 across in the herringbone layout.

[JohnK]

I think I prefer seats facing forward but then again I don't fly often enough in J to know the difference.

At least with the herringbone layout if you get bored then you play footsies with the passenger across the aisle.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by JohnK

... At least with the herringbone layout if you get bored then you play footsies with the passenger across the aisle.

Euuughhh