Air Canada Partners with Landline for Expanded Network Reach

The Canadian flag carrier announced they will begin offering luxury coach service from Toronto to Hamilton and Waterloo starting in May 2024.

Hamilton and Waterloo Coaches Part of a Potential Bigger Expansion

The pilot program will begin with six non-stop round-trips from Toronto Pearson International Airport to two smaller airports in the region: John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) and Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), due southwest of the airport. Flyers will check in normally at their departure point, getting boarding passes for both their bus and flights. At boarding time, flyers will board the bus with their checked luggage loaded for them.

Upon arrival from the two regional airports to Toronto Pearson, flyers will go directly to security screening, while checked luggage will go from the bus direct to the plane. Much like regular flights, those traveling aboard the buses will have the same consumer protections in case of delay or cancellations. Aeroplan flyers will also earn miles for all travel aboard the motorcoaches.

The buses will be provided by The Landline Company, which currently runs ground service for American Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. The buses will feature 36 leather seats in a two-by-one configuration. Like the aircraft, seats will have power outlets, tray tables, overhead space for carry-on bags, and an onboard lavatory. The coaches will also offer free WiFi internet connections.

If the pilot program is successful, Air Canada says they could consider future expansion to additional airports. In addition to ticket sales, the carrier considers their sustainability goals part of the advantage to partnering with Landline.

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Feature image courtesy: Air Canada