Vancouver Airport Authority welcomed the first direct flight linking North America and China’s interior province of Sichuan Friday.
The inaugural flight of Sichuan Airlines’ service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Chengdu, via Shenyang, marked the start of the airline’s thrice-weekly service.
Demand for air travel from China continues to grow, and last year, the number of airline seats available between mainland China and YVR increased by 30%. As of the end of May, more than half a million passengers travelled through YVR from the Asia Pacific region in 2012.
Larry Berg, president and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority, said, “Sichuan’s choice to land at YVR shows how B.C.’s airport is the gateway of choice between North America and Asia.
“The new route will generate 60 direct jobs at the airport, 260 direct jobs in B.C’s tourism industry and contribute $16 million into B.C.’s economy annually. We are delighted to welcome Sichuan Airlines to YVR.”
Sichuan province, served by Sichuan Airlines’ domestic network, is home to 100 million people and is a hub for trade, tourism and commerce.
“The new Chengdu - Shenyang - Vancouver service will enable Vancouver International Airport to extend its reach into China’s domestic network,” said Lan Xinguo, chairman of Sichuan Airlines.
“Furthermore, it will accelerate deep and multi-scope co-operation between Canada and China’s western and northeast regions in agriculture, technology, commerce, trade, tourism and education.”
