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, China and Vancouver via Qingdao, China three times a week, according to the 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 Authority in a news release.

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.

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 CEO Xu Jun.

Once up and running, the flights will depart from both YVR and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on an Airbus 330.

Bejing Capital Airlines started operating in 2010 and currently runs flights out of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Xi-an and Hangzhou.

It obtained the International Air Transport Association's Operational Safety Audit accreditation in May.