Photo courtesy of Xiamen Airlines Facebook page

It seems there’s no end in sight for China’s love of all things North America. Another Chinese carrier, Xiamen Airlines will add North America to its route map later this year, when it makes its inaugural flight to Vancouver International Airport on July 25.

"We are thrilled to welcome Xiamen Airlines to YVR. This new route and destination will provide access to new markets for business and leisure for both Canadian and Chinese travellers," said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "YVR now has more Chinese carriers than any airport in the Americas or Europe, which is testament to Xiamen Airlines and their support of YVR as the gateway airport between the Americas and Asia."

Xiamen Airlines is based in its namesake city, Xiamen, which has a population of more than 3.8 million people. The airline currently offers service to 56 destinations in mainland China and 16 destinations in greater China as well as operating 320 international routes. Vancouver is the airline's 73rd destination.

An important port city for China, Xiamen is also one of the nation’s five Special Economic Zones, which should make it an attractive destination for Canadian business travellers. The beachside city is also a popular visitor destination.

"XMN-YVR is the first direct route to North America in our history" said Ms. Chen Rong, Vice President of Passenger Marketing & Sales Committee. “It is not only a key step for our global strategic layout covering Europe, Oceania, and North America, but also a great impetus to promote cultural and economic exchanges between Fujian and Vancouver. [With] our network, passengers can also conveniently transfer from Fujian to major cities in China and Asia with fast and seamless experience."

The new flight will further strengthen Vancouver International Airport’s position as a key hub for travel between Asia and the Americas. On January 1, 2016, YVR introduced a new competitive rates and charges program and now offers some of the lowest airline landing fees. Xiamen Airlines is the first carrier to join YVR under the updated program.

The flight, which is still subject to final government approvals, will operate three times weekly between Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) in China and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline will fly a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with four seats in first class, 18 seats in business class and 215 seats in economy class. Xiamen Airlines will depart YVR at 01:45, arriving XMN at 05:30(+1) local time. It will depart XMN at 21:30 and arrive at YVR at 18:40.

Xiamen Airlines, a member of SkyTeam, has also announced it plans to fly to New York City, starting next year.

For more information, visit www.yvr.ca.

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