AirCal said it was informed Tuesday that...

AirCal said it was informed Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has recommended San Jose Airport to participate in an experimental program aimed at developing a new gateway service between the United States and Canada.

If the U.S. State Department and the Canadian government give final approval, AirCal intends to initiate a new nonstop service between San Jose and Vancouver on May 1, according to David A. Banmiller, senior vice president of marketing services and assistant to the president of the Newport Beach-based airline.

Banmiller said that Orange County residents would be able to fly to Vancouver on an AirCal plane boarded at John Wayne Airport, stopping at San Jose.

Under the special program, San Jose would be the only airport in the country where an unlimited number of U.S. air carriers could inaugurate service to any part of Canada without going through lengthy negotiations with the U.S. and Canadian governments, according to Rick Russell, director of market development. Also, the program would streamline the process whereby airlines operating out of San Jose would set international fares, he said.

AirCal officials said the airline joined with the City of San Jose last year in supporting the San Jose Airport’s application in national competition with other airports seeking to be chosen for the special program. One reason San Jose Airport was selected, they said, is that it is considered under-utilized.

Although other air carriers also may start service between San Jose and Canada, AirCal officials said the new opportunity fits well into its existing route structure. AirCal plans to provide through flights to Canada from Burbank as well as Orange County and to provide connecting service to Los Angeles, Ontario, Reno and Lake Tahoe.