J is always full on AC015/016 and in fact, AC is charging a C$500 premium RT for J class on those two direct non stop flights ($7,700) while CX is selling its J class on this route at $7,200 (with tech. stop at ANC both ways), could be cheaper through a consolidator (on a fare code that is not eligible for mileage accrual). I can fly AC007/008 connecting via YVR also for $7,200, the same as CX regular J.

I think that there is an air fare imbalance here. I used to fly J. I recall the fare was only about $3,000 for a YYZ/HKG RT in the early 1990's when Y at low season was around $1,300. The fare difference is about 2 to 2.5 times. But over time AC/CX (including the defunct CP) raised the J fare so much that it's like killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. I feel like J subsidising Y. In the meantime, the consolidator Y fare remains at about $1,500 or so. (There is a YYZ/HKG seat sale at www.aircanada.com for April 5 and 6 departure for $1,049 (+ taxes, etc., total=$1,193, an excellent value including the YYZ/HKG segment on AC015.) Many travellers are probably like myself pondering whether if it's worth the premium to fly J at 5 times the price of Y. If you make several trips a year, it really adds up.

I am not trying to sell AC here. I like CX but shaving 3 hours of travel time on the AC YYZ/HKG non stop is simply a competitive advantage in AC's favour, especially AC configured its new A345 on this run to 33" seat pitch in Y, a whole inch roomier than CX's 32" and both have AVOD PTV. The Y consolidator fare of CX and AC is about the same.

The other issue I see is CX is a 1 World partner and there is no 1 World Canadian airline after the demise of CP. My ability to use the Asia Miles is somewhat restrictive in Canada - I can claim a reward to the U.S. and Europe but not a domestic Canadian trip.