By Ryan Ewing

Air Canada plans to launch a one-of-a-kind nonstop route to Asia later this year.

Starting in December, the carrier will connect Vancouver and Sapporo, Japan. Sapporo is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, and is known for its numerous ski resorts and natural hot springs.

The winter seasonal service will operate three times per week using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The first flight will depart Vancouver on Dec. 17, and the last return flight from Sapporo will operate on March 26, 2027.

The route will be the only one in the world linking Sapporo to North America.

“With this new service, Air Canada is reinforcing its Vancouver hub as North America’s second largest Pacific gateway, building on strong premium leisure and ongoing travel demand to Japan, while providing yet another sought-after destination for our customers and Aeroplan members,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, COO, and president of cargo, said in a news release.

Air Canada currently offers year-round service to Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda and summer seasonal service to Osaka-Kansai.