I was aboard the historic first flight between Toronto and Quito by Air Canada Rouge, which for the first time directly joined Canada and Ecuador.
Thanks to the Invitation from Quiport S.A. I was able to be part of the first and historic flight between both countries that for the first time in history has a direct flight.
A project that began several years ago and that involved the hard work of authorities from both governments, Quito Airport and other actors, yielded its fruit last Sunday 9 from December to 2019 when the first flight took off.
A first flight that unites two sister nations that celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations and that it is expected that given the reception of this flight for the next winter season in Canada, the flight remains permanent and an increase in frequencies is contemplated.
within this framework, I was part of the first flight between Toronto and Quito as an exclusive means, so the responsibility was very great and there was wide coverage on all my social networks and now, the flight report I leave it for all of you:
Historic first flight
Air Canada Rouge is not a low cost airline., it is called leisure or leisure, therefore it is focused on a purely tourist segment, therefore it is important to know how to fly with this airline.
In this way we seek to promote the development of this route and encourage more Ecuadorians to get their visa and get to know the incredible nature., people, technology and landscapes of Canada.
Air Canada Rouge flights depart from the Terminal 1 de Toronto, in this case of the Check Zone 3.Historic, the first UIO-bound suitcase tag direct from Toronto.It is a real pride to see Quito as a destination among so many hundreds of flights on the screens of such an important airport..The departure lounge for the historic Toronto Quito flight was room E68.The flight is operated by Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada branch, what stands out in the departure lounge at all times. It is important to note that at least 60% of the passengers were Ecuadorians returning to the country, all other Canadian citizens.The historic boarding pass. I flew Economy Class on this flight..Crew of the first flight and airline staff during the official photo. During the ceremony drinks and snacks were offered to passengers and attendees.Quiport Authorities, Toronto and Embassies made emotional speeches for such an important event. During these words and in general, the atmosphere in the departure lounge was one of joy and pride, even some shouts of ¡Viva Ecuador! could be heard.ribbon cutting, the route was opened.All passengers receive a certificate of the first historical flight signed by the Embassies of both countries.Boarding our Boeing plane 767-300 license plate C-GHLQ, msn serial number 30846 with 18.7 years since its first flight and powered by 2 motores General Electric.My seat, this row does not recline, but it was the only window available.The setting in Economy is 2 – 4 – 2.Each seat has a pillow and blanket for passenger comfort.engine view, wing and winglet of the beautiful and classic Boeing 767-300.The space between seats is very good thanks to its pitch.fully packed flight 281 seats occupied plus a baby.For collectors of security cards, this is Rouge's.Air Canada Rouge does not have entertainment service with individual screens, but offers more than Air Canada magazine, an extensive free online entertainment system and also paid WiFi.
These are the general instructions to be able to use the entertainment system on board.
It is essential to have the cell phone or device in Airplane Mode and connected to the WiFi network of the plane.
Once the requirements are met, a large list of movies is loaded, series and music totally free.
This is the cost of the Internet packages that allow full use of the service, You can pay by the hour or for the entire flight. The prices seemed very good..
This would be the best recommended package for a flight of more than 6 hours.
The online system has an online map to see the position of the aircraft in real time.
Always remember to bring your headphones to listen to the content that interests you and also a tripod since there is no built-in system to hold it, but you can always improvise as I did in the photo using the safety card.The photos at night are not the best., but here we start starting the engines.Definitely the Boeings 767-300 they are classic planes, but so nice to fly.The airline offers two services, the first is moments after takeoff and consisted of a cold chicken burrito plus a drink of your choice.The call buttons for Cabin Crew and personal lighting are located on the armrests..Despite having his years of service, the airline has done a great job to modernize the aircraft and for example, the lighting in the passenger cabin changes according to each stage of the flight.The second service is breakfast due to the flight schedule. there were two options: scrambled eggs and pancakes plus drink of your choice. no alcohol options.I ordered the option of pancakes accompanied by fruit, bread and butter. Came with a fruit sauce I didn't recognize, it tasted very good.After the service began the descent towards Quito, it was already dawn.The approach to the Quito Airport is always very interesting and picturesque..in short ending, we were making history (the windows were not very friendly to take photos because of scratches and exterior dirt).On the ground I was able to speak with the Pilots and they allowed me to enter the cockpit of the beautiful Boeing 767. They told me that they loved the approach to the airport because of its procedure and incredible landscapes.Ready and secured on the ground, history was made. Ecuador is better and more connected than ever.After landing I stayed for the ceremony of the first flight from Quito, which was already appearing on the screens of the Airport the historic flight between Toronto Quito.
A historic day that will be marked in the history of Ecuadorian aviation, of which I could proudly be a part and that now, I share it with you.
what a good article. Hopefully more destinations will open from/to Quito/Guayaquil.
The approach to Quito is one of the most beautiful I know (that are not many), only surpassed by relegation to Washington DC (DCA).
Greetings
It is worth mentioning that it is worth asking about the upgrade to Premium Economy. I did it at the counter and the additional cost was only $150. The advantages were obviously more space but also boarding priority, toiletry bag with brush, pasta, ear plugs, mask and stockings, also a better food menu and an iPad with access to the entertainment system.
healthy envy Nicolas , very good description of the trip , I missed the price of the flight and how complicated is it to get the visa to Canada , you no longer have to go to Bogota to get it?
I think the configuration is 2 3 2 I see in the picture
Yes, precisely
Very good article. Just a clarification, Air Canada leaves the Terminal 1 Pearson's, not of 3, what is westjet.
Thanks for the information, surely I confused them.
Too bad they don't have individual screens on an international flight +5 hours
But you can bring your devices, use WiFi or view free content.
what a good article. Hopefully more destinations will open from/to Quito/Guayaquil.
The approach to Quito is one of the most beautiful I know (that are not many), only surpassed by relegation to Washington DC (DCA).
Greetings
Thank you JuanCa.
It is worth mentioning that it is worth asking about the upgrade to Premium Economy. I did it at the counter and the additional cost was only $150. The advantages were obviously more space but also boarding priority, toiletry bag with brush, pasta, ear plugs, mask and stockings, also a better food menu and an iPad with access to the entertainment system.
very good point, It is true, You can request the upgrade if there is space.
healthy envy Nicolas , very good description of the trip , I missed the price of the flight and how complicated is it to get the visa to Canada , you no longer have to go to Bogota to get it?
hi richard, prices were discussed in their own post: https://www.nlarenas.com/2019/03/costos-y-horarios-nueva-ruta-toronto-quito-de-air-canada-rouge/. The subject of the visa is consulted on the website of the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador.
Very good relations with quiport for the invitation
very good for quito