VANCOUVER — Coming this spring, Hainan Airlines will launch new service to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), via Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN).

Commencing May 25, the route will be operated using an Airbus 330 with a seat configuration of 32 Business class and 260 Economy class seats. Hainan Airlines will depart from YVR at 11:30 and arrive at TSN at 14:15 (+1), before continuing the journey to SZX, where it will arrive at 19:45.

“It’s great to start the year with the announcement of a new airline partner. As the first airport in Canada offering service to Shenzhen and Tianjin, the route will provide direct access to new markets for business travellers and offer more options for leisure travellers exploring China,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.

The addition of Hainan Airlines brings the total of Mainland Chinese carriers to seven plus Air Canada, which Richmond says further strengthens YVR’s position as the connecting hub airport between Asia and the Americas.

The new service comes on the heels of a record-breaking year of growth at YVR. In 2017, the airport welcomed more than 24 million passengers, representing an 8.4% increase. This puts the airport just one million shy of its original goal of 25 million passengers by 2020.

In an annual address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT), Richmond noted that this growth puts YVR as one of the fastest growing airports in North America. “Looking ahead, we are seeing exciting new destinations and increased frequencies.”

Richmond shared new passenger forecasts, including growth projections that now show 31 million passengers by 2022, with 29 million passengers targeted for 2020. YVR has also updated its target to serve 144 destinations by 2020; currently, it serves 127 nonstop destinations worldwide.

The change in forecasting is attributed to a number of factors, including a strong B.C. economy and an impressive year for new air services due to ConnectYVR, YVR’s five-year rates and charges program.

Over the next three years, $1.7 billion will be spend on major projects that enhance the airport experience. These include YVR’s Pier D expansion in the international terminal, which once complete in 2020 will increase capacity to accommodate eight additional aircraft; four contact gates; and four bussing gates.