Xiamen Airlines has begun its first direct flight between Vancouver and Xiamen, city in East China’s Fujian province.

Previously, passengers from Vancouver need to fly to Beijing or Shanghai first, then head to Fujian. Now passengers can fly directly from Vancouver to Xiamen. The new route only takes 12 hours, and shortens the flight time by five to eight hours comparing to the previous one.

Inbound flights will depart Vancouver on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Outbound flights will leave Xiamen on every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft can carry maximum 213 passengers. The new flight route dramatically increases the passenger throughput of Xiamen airport.