Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched a direct flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to London Heathrow Airport.
The new service will operate four times a week through the summer period until the end of October. It is the first time in a decade that Virgin Atlantic has flown to Canada.
"We have been working for years to bring this world-class carrier to Vancouver to offer passengers more choice and satisfy the high demand for flights to the U.K., particularly during the busy summer season," said Larry Berg, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA).
"This new service means more jobs for British Columbians both on and off of YVR's Sea Island home, and increased tourism revenue, particularly given that the U.K. is B.C.'s single greatest source of overseas visitors."
According to VAA, up to 40,000 passengers are expected to use the new service, which would generate approximately $21.5 million annually in tourism revenue and create an additional 172 direct jobs in hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions. The service is expected to add an estimated $10.4 million to B.C.'s gross domestic product.
The new service will use an Airbus A340-300 configured with 34 upper-class seats, 35 premium-economy seats and 171 economy seats. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
According to VAA, the new service will create 35 direct jobs at YVR.
China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines also recently announced new flights out of YVR.
