VANCOUVER — Beijing Capital Airlines has launched new thrice weekly service between Vancouver and Hangzhou, via Qingdao, giving Canadians easy access to two key hubs in China.
The new service, which launched on Jan. 6, between YVR and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) via Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO) is flown on an Airbus 330, with seating for 22 passengers, including 36 in Business and 186 in Economy. Capital Airlines is the sixth mainland Chinese carrier to service YVR – two more than any other airport in North America or Europe.
“I would like to thank Capital Airlines for choosing YVR as its first North American destination,” said Craig Richmond, YVR’s President and CEO. “This new service opens up two amazing new Chinese destinations for all of Canada and is another key milestone in our vision of connecting Asia to the Americas.”
Added Mr. Xu Xin, Chairman of Capital Airlines: “The new Vancouver–Qingdao–Hangzhou route will provide more choices and convenience for travellers and will further strengthen economic and cultural ties between Canada and China. Capital Airlines strives to be a leading brand in the international tourism and air travel industry and we are looking forward to working with YVR.”
In addition to strengthening business and tourism opportunities between China and Canada, this route will have a positive impact on the local economy. The new service brings 123 jobs and $6.2 million in GDP to the province of British Columbia and will add $4.2 million in wages and $2.3 million in taxes.
Located in the central eastern coast of China, Hangzhou is among the country’s seven most ancient cities and is famous for West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has had a profound impact on poets, painters and designers throughout Chinese history. Qingdao, located in northeast China, is a major seaport and industrial centre. In addition to hosting the world’s longest sea bridge, Qingdao is well-known for its diverse economy focused on heavy industry, software, automotive, electronics and banking—and the famous Tsingtao Brewery, the second largest in China.
