New Vancouver to Hangzhou flights begin at year's end

A Chinese based airline will begin flying to Vancouver on December 30, 2016, marking its first entry into North America. Beijing Capital Airlines will operate a service between Hangzhou, Chinaand Vancouvervia Qingdao, Chinathree times a week, according tothe Vancouver Airport Authority.

"We are thrilled Beijing Capital Airlines has chosen YVR as its first entry point into North America," said Craig Richmond, president and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authorityin a newsrelease.

This is the sixth airline to run connecting flights between mainland China and Vancouver. Richmond called it a "true testament to YVR's position as a connecting hub to the Asia-Pacific region."

Airport officials say it's the second new airline to land at YVR this year and the 12th new route launched.

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Beijing Capital Airlines said it is thrilled to extend its network to North America via Vancouver.

"This proves that our continuous efforts in raising our operation safety standard have been recognized by international aviation organizations," said CEOXu Jun.

Once up and running, the flights will depart from bothYVR and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airporton Wednesdays, Fridaysand Sundays on an Airbus 330.

BejingCapital Airlines started operating in 2010 and currently runs flights out of Beijing,Guangzhou,Shenyang,Xi-anandHangzhou.

It obtained theInternational Air Transport Association'sOperational Safety Audit accreditation inMay.