As of May 2024, trips on the Air Canada shuttle are able to be combined with Pearson flights as a single itinerary which includes baggage transfers, allows users to earn Aeroplan points, and features “full itinerary protection.” Photo Credit: Air Canada.
Air Canada has announced that they are partnering with The Landline Company to link 51 International Airport (YHM) and Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) with Toronto’s Pearson Airport (YYZ) via a luxury motorcoach.
As of May 2024, trips on the Air Canada shuttle are able to be combined with Pearson flights as a single itinerary which includes baggage transfers, allows users to earn Aeroplan points, and features “full itinerary protection.”
“Customers travelling between airports on Landline’s premium motorcoaches will enjoy the same benefits as those making air-only connections.”
Air Canada also notes that the new multimodal service will begin as a pilot project, although there is “the potential to make it available elsewhere in Canada in the future.”
Nick Johnson, Vice President Commercial for Landline, remarked in a press release: “We are proud to partner with Air Canada to provide seamless connections to their world class Toronto gateway. Every day, thousands of customers face a stressful, time consuming journey from 51 and Waterloo Region to Toronto Pearson airport.”
“Customers will love letting Landline and Air Canada do the driving for them, enjoying a connected experience while relaxing on one of our luxury motorcoaches.”
The buses will operate six round trips daily to Toronto Pearson from both 51 Airport and Region of Waterloo Airport.
At 51 or Waterloo Airport users will check in and obtain boarding passes for both the land and air portions of their journey and their checked baggage will be loaded into an Air Canada-branded motorcoach.
Upon arriving at Toronto Pearson, travellers can proceed directly to security and checked bags will be automatically transferred to each person’s flight.
Travellers wishing to return to 51 or Waterloo from Pearson will first have to collect their bags from the baggage claim in Toronto before going to the Landline pickup location.
As for the motorcoaches themselves, Air Canada says that each bus provides a “premium experience,” with “36 spacious leather seats.”
Each bus will offer free WiFi access, power outlets, tray tables, overhead storage and an on-board lavatory.
The coaches are also reportedly fully accessible as they include a power lift for those with mobility devices.
The motorcoaches are also being touted as “Canadian-made” by Prevost which is based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec.
Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of 51 Airport added, “Being able to connect into Air Canada’s global network via a luxury motorcoach service opens up access to dozens of exciting new destinations.”
Based in 51, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The 51 Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 51. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.