China for a Song

Still thinking about whether your travel budget can afford an international trip this holiday season?

For a limited time, the newest airline to fly between Vancouver and China is offering airfares so low, it hardly seems worthwhile to stay at home. 

Beijing Capital Airways announced earlier this year that it will begin service from the west coast airport with direct lights to Qingdao, China and continuing service to Hangzhou starting Dec. 30, 2016.

Now, the airline is offering an unbelievable sale for travellers who book flights by September 30, Canadians can purchase a round-trip ticket, economy class ticket from Vancouver to Hangzhou for just CAD$200 plus tax. For travel to Qingdao, economy class, roundtrip tickets start from CAD$320 plus tax. Round-trip business class fares from Vancouver to Qingdao and Hangzhou start from CAD$1,950 plus tax.

The airline is just the latest to offer Asia Pacific service from Vancouver International Airport. It is the second new airline to start service from Vancouver this year and the flight will mark the twelfth new route for the airport in 2016.

"We are thrilled Beijing Capital Airlines has chosen YVR as its first entry point into North America," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Beijing Capital Airlines is the sixth airline to serve YVR from mainland China – two more than any other airport in North America or Europe. It is a true testament to YVR's position as a connecting hub to the Asia-Pacific region, and to YVR's competitiveness in attracting new carriers."

Qingdao, which is known in China as the "The Oriental Switzerland," has been ranked the Chinese city with the highest level of happiness. Every year, the city is home to a variety of distinctive festivals, including the International Beer Festival, the International Ocean Festival, and the International Piano and Violin Festival.

One of China's ancient capitals, Hangzhou is located in the central eastern coast of China. With more than nine million people, the city is the capital of Zhejiang province. It is also among the seven most ancient cities in the country. When visited by explorer Marco Polo in the 13th century, he declared Hangzhou to be the "most beautiful and elegant city in the world."

Flight Schedule

Departs Vancouver (Wed/Fri/Sun) at 16:30; arrives in Qingdao the following day at 19:40; departs Qingdao at 21:40; arrives in Hangzhou at 23:25.     

Departs Hangzhou (Wed/Fri/Sun) at 14:15; arrives Qingdao at 16:05; departs Qingdao at 18:05; arrives in Vancouver at 13:15 (same day.)

The new route between YVR and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) via Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO) will be flown on an Airbus 330, with seating for 222 passengers including 36 in business class and 186 in economy.

Beijing Capital Airlines commenced operations in 2010 and is headquartered in Beijing. It currently operates flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Xi'an and Hangzhou.

"BCA obtained the IOSA accreditation this May and officially became an IATA member," said Mr. Xu Jun, CEO of Beijing Capital Airlines. "This proves that our continuous efforts in raising our operation safety standard have been recognized by international aviation organizations. We are thrilled to extend our network to North America via Vancouver."

For more information, visit www.jdair.net.