Loading article…
Air China: this article brings together Canada–Beijing route announcements for 2026-2027. It covers increased Vancouver service and the planned Montreal return described in our Canada–China flight comparison, published November 2, 2026.
| Route | Announced timing | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver (YVR)–Beijing Capital (PEK) | Additional flights from September 27, 2026 | 5 weekly | Check for each departure |
| Montreal (YUL)–Beijing Capital (PEK) | Planned return March 29, 2027 | 2 weekly, Monday and Friday | A350-900 announced |
Vancouver–Beijing: 5 weekly flights announced
Vancouver Airport’s October 5, 2026 release confirms 5 weekly Air China flights, up from 3. YVR dates the additional frequencies to September 27, 2026, replacing the September 29 date in our original comparison.
The service uses Beijing Capital, code PEK. Distinguish it from Beijing Daxing, PKX, and distinguish Air China from China Airlines, which serves Taipei. The announced program does not guarantee identical schedules or aircraft every week.
Montreal–Beijing: planned return March 29, 2027
According to the schedule reported by AeroRoutes on October 29, 2026, Air China plans to restore Beijing Capital–Montreal from March 29, 2027, after a suspension since 2020. The reported program calls for 2 weekly flights in each direction, on Monday and Friday, using the Airbus A350-900.
The times below are from the reported schedule and are local. Beijing arrival is 2 calendar days after departure from Montreal. Confirm ticket sales, the operating carrier and the exact schedule with Air China before booking.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Announced days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA879 | Beijing (PEK) → Montreal (YUL) | 18:00 | 20:30 | Monday and Friday |
| CA880 | Montreal (YUL) → Beijing (PEK) | 22:55 | 03:35 (+2 days) | Monday and Friday |
Booking with PhoenixMiles, Aeroplan or United MileagePlus
PhoenixMiles is Air China’s own program. The carrier can also be accessed through Star Alliance partners, subject to their rules and award availability. Read our Aeroplan and United MileagePlus guides.
Our November 2 comparison reported different award results from United and Aeroplan for Montreal–Beijing. That observation was dated: a new route or a seat sold for cash does not guarantee an award today. Search the exact itinerary, passenger count and cabin, including points, taxes and fees, before moving rewards.
Card benefits associated with an Air Canada flight do not automatically extend to flights operated by Air China. To compare a Canadian Aeroplan earning option, view the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card. This link is affiliated; Milesopedia may earn a commission.
Explore TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Airline, airport and destination guides
Plan with our Air China guide, Vancouver Airport guide and Montreal-Trudeau lounge guide. The airline guide also covers PhoenixMiles, baggage and airport connections.
Compare other carriers and Chinese gateways in the Canada–China flight guide. Check entry and transit rules with the authorities for your travel dates; a measure applying in 2026 does not establish the rules for 2027.
Tickets and future announcements
For cash tickets, use Air China’s official Canadian website. Compare the complete itinerary, baggage and change conditions.
Read our best credit cards guide to compare earning options and subscribe to the Milesopedia newsletter for future announcements.
Featured
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $139
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,139
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
Apply Now
on TD's website
To compare services from Canada, also see the flight programs for China Eastern, China Southern.
How many Air China flights are announced from Vancouver?
YVR announces 5 weekly Beijing flights following additional frequencies starting September 27, 2026. Check operating days and aircraft for your dates.
When is Montreal–Beijing expected to return?
The schedule reported by AeroRoutes calls for March 29, 2027, with 2 weekly flights each way on the A350-900. Confirm the program with Air China.
Which Beijing airport is involved?
The reported program uses Beijing Capital, PEK, rather than Beijing Daxing, PKX.
Can I use Aeroplan or United MileagePlus?
Air China is a Star Alliance partner. Award access depends on program rules and available inventory; a cash seat does not guarantee an award.