YVR becomes first North American airport with direct link to Kunming, China

China Eastern Airlines announces three-time weekly service from Kunming to Vancouver

RICHMOND, BC, March 16, 2015 /CNW/ - China Eastern Airlines announced three-time weekly direct  service between Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The service, set to begin on June 26, will connect via Shanghai's Pudong International Airport and will establish Vancouver as the first North American destination from Kunming—one of China's premier tourism regions.

"This new service marks another step toward achieving our mission of connecting British Columbia to the world," said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Kunming is a key gateway destination and is the largest city in Yunnan Province, with a rich and vibrant history and a great future as a transportation hub. Having service to Kunming from YVR opens up exciting new tourism and business opportunities for Canadians and further establishes Vancouver as a gateway hub between Asia and the Americas."

Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its mild climate, Kunming has a population of 7.2 million and is a renowned tourism destination, as well as a significant connecting point to major South East Asia locations.

The new direct service to YVR compliments the recent agreement between China and Canada to provide 10-year multiple-entry visas to Canadian and Chinese citizens for business, tourism or family purposes. "Companies doing business between China and Canada always benefit from reduced complexity," said Sarah Kutulakos, Executive Director of the Canada China Business Council.  "This new, efficient means of travel is a very positive development."   

In addition to increased passenger flow and economic opportunities between the two cities, foreign passport holders connecting to a third country via Kunming can enjoy the 72-hour visa free transit in Kunming before departure. And passengers originating from YVR or KMG can have their bags checked through to either end.

YVR has strong linkages to China with more than 70 flights per week during the summer and 59 flights per week currently. YVR is the only airport in North America with service from four mainland China carriers and was the first North American airport selected by Sichuan Airlines for its long-haul flight. Traffic to the Asia-Pacific region reached almost three million passengers in 2014, up 9.8 per cent over 2013, with traffic to Mainland China up 6.66 per cent.

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 19 million passengers in 2014. Fifty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 110 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2014 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 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, 604.880.9815; [email protected], www.yvr.ca; Twitter: @yvrairport