Hong Kong Airlines Soars to YVR in 2017

New airline will make first flight to North America next summer

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Hong Kong Airlines announced non-stop daily service between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting on June 30, 2017. This year-round service marks the airline's North American debut and will offer increased access from Vancouver to Hong Kong, a global hub for commerce, culture and cuisine.

"Hong Kong Airlines is a well-known, family-friendly airline based in a world class city, and we are thrilled to be able to offer the public even more options to travel between Vancouver and Hong Kong," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Every new airline that chooses to fly to YVR means more jobs for the local economy and creates new opportunities for British Columbians."

Hong Kong Airlines (HX) will initially operate the route using an Airbus 330-200 with 283 seats. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average aircraft age of 4.1 years. The fleet consists of 34 aircraft which include nine Airbus 330-300, nine Airbus 330-200, 11 Airbus 320 and five cargo planes. Hong Kong Airlines has 15 next-generation Airbus 350-900s on order with the first delivery set for the third quarter of 2017.

Hong Kong Airlines started operations in 2002 under the name CR Airlines and was purchased by Hainan Airlines in 2006. After the purchase, HX became part of the HNA Group, a conglomerate with divisions in aviation, tourism, logistics and EcoTech. Based in the Hainan province, the group generates revenues of more than US$29 billion annually and has nearly 200,000 employees worldwide.

The new daily service will generate approximately 431 jobs in British Columbia both at the airport and in the tourism industry, $15.5 million in wages, $8.6 million in taxes and $24.4 million in Gross Domestic Product. The flight will also create more options for BC businesses to reach customers, suppliers and investors in Hong Kong, while also helping families travel home to see loved ones and create exciting connection possibilities for adventure and leisure travellers.

ABOUT VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 20.3 million passengers in 2015. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to mo­­re than 120 non-stop destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation's prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the seventh consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2015 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

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