OREANDA-NEWS. March 23, 2016. Today, Xiamen Airlines announced they will fly a three times weekly, non-stop flight between Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) in China to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting July 25, 2016, subject to final government approvals. This will mark the first time the airline has service to North America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Xiamen Airlines to YVR. This new route and destination will provide access to new markets for business and leisure for both Canadian and Chinese travellers,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “YVR now has more Chinese carriers than any airport in the Americas or Europe, which is testament to Xiamen Airlines and their support of YVR as the gateway airport between the Americas and Asia.” 

Headquartered in Xiamen, Xiamen Airlines carries passengers to 56 destinations in Mainland China, 16 destinations in Greater China and serves 320 routes internationally. Passengers arriving in Xiamen can easily connect onward to major cities in China and Asia. The airline’s 73rd destination, Vancouver, will also be an added value to the network, meeting the demand of tourists, tradesmen and businessmen of the two countries.

Xiamen is located on the southeast coast of China and has a population of more than 3.8 million. It is an important port city for both China and foreign countries and is one of China’s five Special Economic Zones which utilizes an economic management system making it more attractive to do business there. It is also a popular tourist destination known for its scenery and tree-lined beaches. 

“XMN-YVR is the first direct route to North America in our history. It is not only a key step for our global strategic layout covering Europe, Oceania, and North America, but also a great impetus to promote cultural and economic exchanges between Fujian and Vancouver,” said Ms. Chen Rong, Vice President of Passenger Marketing & Sales Committee. “By our network, passengers can also conveniently transfer from Fujian to major cities in China and Asia with fast and seamless experience.” 

Xiamen Airlines will operate the route using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with a seat configuration of 4 First class, 18 Business class and 215 Economy class seats. Xiamen Airlines will depart from YVR at 01:45 and arrive in XMN at 05:30(+1) local time. It will depart XMN at 21:30 and arrive at YVR at 18:40. 

Vancouver International Airport is served by the most Mainland Chinese carriers strengthening our position as the preferred gateway airport between Asia and the Americas. On January 1, 2016, YVR introduced the most competitive rates and charges program within our competing airports. The program offers some of the lowest landing fees to airlines in order to attract and incent them to grow sustainably at YVR. Xiamen Airlines is the first new carrier to join our program.