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JULY 2012
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Sichuan Airlines’ first North American flight lands at YVR
air traffic:
China Southern expands service PG
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travel talk
Taiwan locals reveal favourite spots PG
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airline news:
Transat celebrates 25 years PG
China’s Sichuan Airlines began its service between Vancouver and Chengdu, via Shenyang, on June 22, making Vancouver International Airport (YVR) the only airport in North America with a direct air link to Sichuan province. Home to more than 100-million people, Sichuan province is an important hub for trade, tourism and commerce. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water arch salute and representatives from Vancouver Airport Authority, the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the People’s Republic of China greeted Sichuan Airlines’ delegation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a news conference. Sichuan’s new service is estimated to generate 60 direct jobs at the airport and 260 direct jobs in B.C.’s tourism industry and contribute $16-million into B.C.’s economy annually. As the world’s second largest economy, China is a key market for British Columbia and Canada. Demand for air
Representatives from Vancouver Airport Authority, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the People’s Republic of China, Sichuan Airlines and Shenyang Airport commemorated Sichuan Airlines’ inaugural flight with a ribboncutting ceremony.
travel from China continues to grow and last year, the number of airline seats available between Mainland China and YVR increased by 30 per cent. As of the end of May 2012, more than 500,000 passengers travelled through YVR from the Asia Pacific region in 2012. Sichuan Airlines’ service to and from YVR uses an Airbus 330 aircraft with capacity for 245 passengers. Flights operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving at YVR at 8:20am and departing at 10:20am.
Sichuan Airlines’ first flight from inland China to North America was welcomed with a water arch salute provided by the Airport Authority’s Emergency Response Services team.
Luxury designer outlet planned for Sea Island
Airport community demonstrates true value of a penny
Artist’s rendering of a shopping street for the luxury designer outlet.
Students from Sea Island Elementary school rolled pennies as part of Vancouver Airport Authority’s Final Boarding Call for Pennies fundraiser.
Vancouver Airport Authority announced its plans last month to develop a luxury designer outlet centre on Vancouver International Airport (YVR) lands in partnership with London-based developer McArthurGlen Group, Europe’s leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets. Later this summer, the lands on Russ Baker Way near BCIT’s Aerospace Technology Campus will be prepared for eventual construction. The exciting project will
Baggage scales did double duty recently, when coins collected as part of YVR’s Final Boarding Call for Pennies fundraiser were rolled. In total, 518 kilograms of pennies were collected: enough to fund about 2,200 lunches for children in need this summer. “We saw the power of a concerted effort made by the airport community,” said Anne Murray, VP of community and environmental affairs, Vancouver Airport
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car talk:
2012 Land Rover LR4 PG
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restaurant guide:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner PG
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increase the region’s destination appeal for visiting travellers and encourage local shoppers to spend within their own community. The project reinforces the Airport Authority’s role in the economic development of the region with the creation of an estimated 1,000 new jobs. YVR currently generates $11.7-billion in total economic output to the Canadian economy. The proposed new centre would open in phases, beginning in the fall of 2014. See DESIGNER OUTLET page 3
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Authority. “While a single penny may not hold much value, when combined with coins collected from across YVR’s Sea Island home, it can make a real difference in the lives of children in need in our community.” Since June 14, the YVR community—including airport passengers and employees from its 400+ businesses—have donated pennies to benefit Quest Food Exchange, a Vancouverbased, not-for-profit orga-
nization that helps those in need access affordable, healthy food. The money raised will be used to provide food vouchers to families to shop in Quest’s three not-forprofit grocery markets. “The summer can be a difficult time for families whose children rely on lunch programs during the school year,” said Elizabeth Crudgington, executive director, Quest Food Exchange. See PENNIES page 3
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