Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is set to be the first North American airport to land China’s Sichuan Airlines as a carrier.
Premier Christy Clark, currently on a trade mission to China and India, has announced that Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) and Sichuan Airlines have signed a letter of intent to launch three weekly flights to Vancouver in 2012.
“Sichuan Airlines’ plans to start this new service will provide another way for British Columbians and Chinese businesses and individuals to expand trade, and will create jobs, new personal connections and $50 million in additional tourism-related revenue annually between Canada and China,” Clark said in a news release.
The flights would run from Chengdu to Shenyang to YVR, contributing 31,000 additional annual visitors to B.C. and adding $3.5 million annually to B.C.’s GDP.
Sichuan Airlines must still secure Transport Canada approval before flights can begin.
In May, YVR landed China’s biggest airline – China Southern Airlines – and the airport’s first direct flight to Guangzhou, China. (See “Vancouver airport lands China’s biggest airline”– issue 1124; May 10-16.)
In 2009, China granted Canada approved destination status, which allowed tourism operators in both countries to market their destinations to the other county.
YVR has also just announced that Virgin Atlantic will run a new route between YVR and London Heathrow airport starting in May 2012. Virgin Atlantic will operate four flights a week on the route during the summer period until the end of October.
“We have been working for years to bring this world-class carrier to Vancouver, so we are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic Airways to YVR starting in May,” VAA president and CEO Larry Berg said in a statement.
“What this means for British Columbia, and the Metro Vancouver area in particular, is more jobs and increased tourism revenue. It also adds much needed capacity to Europe in the busy summer season.”
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV