China's Tianjin Airlines Applies for First Long-Haul Route to Vancouver

Tianjin Airlines (GS), a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines (HU), is waiting government approval to launch its first intercontinental route - Tianjin-Chongqing-Vancouver, in June 2016, according to an announcement released Thursday on the website of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Pending government approval, Tianjin Airlines will use Airbus A330 aircraft on the new long-haul service from June 2016, with four flights weekly.

The Tianjin-based carrier has accelerated its international expansion pace as the Chinese economy grows. In August, the regional carrier has filed an application to the aviation watchdog for expanding its business license coverage. It is now permitted to operate long-haul international cargo and passenger services.

Once the Tianjin-Chongqing-Vancouver service to be launched in 2016, Tianjin Airlines would become the latest Hainan Airlines subsidiary to start long-haul operations following its sister carrier Capital Airlines and the eighth Chinese carrier operating international flights following Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Capital Airlines.

As travel demand increases, Tianjin Airlines plans to enhance transport capacity and introduce wide-body aircraft, to open long-haul routes to Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, President of the airline said previously.

Specifically, Tianjin Airlines said previously that it is scheduled to take delivery of its first Airbus A330 aircraft in 2016, in a bid to support its overseas expansion.

Founded in 2009, Tianjin Airlines now operates 18 A320-200s, 45 EMB-190s, and 21 ERJ-145s on flights throughout China as well as to Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Russia.