China Eastern to Connect YVR with Nanjing

New non-stop service to one of China's key hubs

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, China Eastern (MU) announced non-stop thrice weekly service to Nanjing, China starting on December 20. This new, year-round service marks the first connection between Canada and Nanjing, a city rich with tourist attractions, education and business opportunities. 

"Nanjing—what an amazing new destination," said Craig Richmond, YVR's President & CEO. "We are very pleased to hear that China Eastern will soon start service to Nanjing, one of China's most beautiful and dynamic cities. I want to thank China Eastern for their continued support and for further connecting YVR to the world."

Located in the renowned Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing connects China's ancient past with its modern ambitions. Nanjing is recognized as one of China's four great ancient capitals, with a 1,000 year history that produced a diverse array of historical monuments. It's also home to one of the world's largest inland ports and is a key economic hub, known for its service industries, investment opportunities and high-ranking universities.

"China Eastern Airlines has been operating from Vancouver to China for the past 12 years. Vancouver to Nanjing is our third direct flight from Western Canada to China. This provides passengers with more options when flying with China Eastern to China and beyond." Mr. Xiangying Rong, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines Vancouver Office, points out.

In addition to the diverse business and tourism opportunities this route will create between China and Canada, it will also have a positive impact on the local economy. The service will create more than 162 jobs at YVR and throughout British Columbia and will add an additional $9.5 million in Gross Domestic Product, $1.8 million in taxes and $3.2 million in wages.

The new service will operate using an Airbus A330-200 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, arriving at YVR at 8:30am and leaving at 10:30am. It continues a successful relationship that started in 2004 with China Eastern's launch of daily service between YVR and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). In July 2013, China Eastern increased the PVG service to double daily and then launched new direct service to Kunming—one of China's key connecting hubs—in 2015. The service will also further connect YVR's passengers with China Eastern's network, which includes 128 connections in China.

New services such as this are made possible thanks to YVR's new five-year rates and charges program, ConnectYVR. The program provides a highly competitive rate structure and includes rates lower than any other major airport in Canada and competing US airports.

ABOUT CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited has its headquarter located in Shanghai. As one of the three major airlines in mainland China, it flies a fleet of more than 430 long-haul and short-haul aircraft with an average age of less than seven years, China Eastern serves nearly 80 million travelers annually and ranks among the world's top 5 airlines in terms of passenger transportation volume. As an official member of SkyTeam, China Eastern has extended its flight network from Shanghai to 1000 cities in 187 countries via close cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines. Members of Eastern Miles can participate the mileage accumulate and redeem program, enjoy member benefits and use any one of the 525 VIP lounges across the world within all 19 SkyTeam member airlines. For more information, please visit ca.ceair.com.

- YVR -

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

For further information: YVR Media Relations, [e-mail], 604-880-9815, @yvrairport