Well I managed to get in contact with the routes managing director of ZAG airport, and I can assure you AC is in let's say progressive negotiations for a possible high season service in the near future. So I would say rumor/speculation is turning into fact.

I would mention it's not a matter if AC will come, but how many weekly flights they will have once they decide to come. AC can easily do a daily flight in high season for a 90 day span, and their air frame would have a high LF for sure making good profits for the airline. Over 150,000 Canadians are expected to come this summer season alone, and that is not even taking into consideration that AC could poach pax from the United States. Also like to mention over 500,000 Americans are also expected to arrive this summer. The numbers are there to justify a credible/sustainable business venture. I think as far a AC is concerned it's about getting the additional metal. I'm not sure they will launch the service this year, but 2018 has a very, very good chance.

As a Canadian I would always like to have a direct flight instead of a stop over, and why should we as Canadians have our JV partners poach our pax?

Just by interest does any body know how many more 763's Rouge will have by next season? Is Rouge taking AC's 763's when their additional Dreamliners arrive?