MONTREAL — Air Canada is introducing B787-8 Dreamliner service out of Montreal with new Shanghai flights starting Feb. 16.

The daily, year-round flights also mark Air Canada’s first direct service to China from Montreal. Tickets are available for purchase starting Sept. 28.

“Building on Air Canada’s success in the rapidly growing Chinese market, we are delighted to announce Air Canada’s first direct flights between Montreal and China with the launch of Montreal-Shanghai service next year,” said Air Canada President and CEO Calin Rovinescu.

With the new flights Air Canada will have increased its international capacity from Montreal by 133% since 2009, with direct service to 13 cities in Europe, North Africa and China, he added.

China is Canada’s second largest trading partner and Air Canada has invested more than $1 billion in aircraft and equipment allocated specifically to serve the Chinese market from its Canadian hubs. With an elapsed time of 14.5 hours, the new route will be the longest flight ever operated by any carrier from Montréal-Trudeau airport. “Together with our Star Alliance partners, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, and partner Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based airline operating to more than 30 destinations in China, we will offer the growing number of travellers between Montreal and China even more convenient travel options to Chinese destinations,” said Rovinescu.

Air Canada is expected to launch an interline agreement with Juneyao Airlines in the coming weeks. Air China, Shenzhen Airlines and Juneyao Airlines offer connections to domestic China destinations such as Chengdu, Chongqing and Shenzhen.