In move to improve regional connectivity for passengers, Air Canada has launched a pilot project connecting passengers from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport in southern Ontario to its hub at Toronto Pearson via luxury motorcoach.

The partnership with The Landline Company will enable customers to book a single itinerary combining the coach service with Air Canada flights for a seamless, multi-model journey. Now available for booking, service will begin in May 2024, with the potential for expansion elsewhere in Canada in the future.

How it works

• Landline will operate six, non-stop round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from both Hamilton and Waterloo airports in southern Ontario.
• Air Canada customers beginning their journey at Hamilton or Region of Waterloo airports will check in as normal for their flight and obtain boarding passes for all segments of their trip.
• At a designated departure point at the local airport, they will board a luxury, Air Canada-branded motorcoach and their checked baggage will be loaded.
• Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson, customers will proceed directly through security screening, while checked bags will be automatically transferred to the onward connecting flight.
• In the event of coach or flight delays, customers travelling on Landline will be automatically offered the same protections as customers travelling on air-only itineraries.
• Members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan program will earn points for both ground and air segments, as on any normal connecting flight itinerary.

Premium motorcoaches

The motorcoaches feature 36 spacious, leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. The coaches are equipped with free WiFi, power, and a table tray available at each seat, generous overhead storage for carry-on baggage, and an onboard lavatory. Announcements will be made in English and French and the coaches are fully accessible, including a power lift for customers requiring mobility aids.

Air Canada Regional Services 

Air Canada operates to 40 communities across Canada, including in partnership with regional carriers Jazz Aviation LP and PAL Airlines. Through tbhe new partnership with Landline, Air Canada is extending its regional network to conveniently connect local airports directly to its global network.

“Air Canada is focused on improving regional services and through this innovative partnership with The Landline Company, we are connecting communities and extending our network by offering customers a convenient, stress-free multimodal option,” says Air Canada VP Alexandre Lefevre. “Customers travelling between airports on Landline’s premium motorcoaches will enjoy the same benefits as those making air-only connections, including the convenience of a single itinerary, through-checked baggage when departing Hamilton or Region of Waterloo, disruption protection and Aeroplan earning opportunities.

“We will look to further expand our regional network in Canada through our Landline partnership, as it also advances our sustainability programs by potentially removing tens of thousands of vehicles from the road each year.”

For more information see www.aircanada.com/landline