China's Xiamen Airlines started its Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle service on Monday (Sept. 26), marking not only the first long haul route from Xiamen to the United States but also the first direct international service between Shenzhen and the United States.

"The launch of the Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle service is an important reflection of the results of the meeting between Chinese and American leaders in 2015," Che Shanglun, chairman and general manager of Xiamen Airlines, said.

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Describing the Sea-Tac Airport as one of the most connected gateways to Asia, Fred Felleman, the Port of Seattle Commissioner, welcomed the new service, saying "It is an honor that Xiamen chose Seattle to launch its U.S. service."

"Shenzhen is known as the 'Silicon Valley' of China and this new destination will be a tremendous opportunity for both business and leisure travelers to experience our shared values," he added.

The welcome ceremony also included a ribbon cutting and toast to the airlines, Aviation Pros reported.

The service starts in the city of Xiamen then shuttle to Shenzhen before making a non-stop flight to Seattle. Xiamen Airlines will fly the route three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with flight numbers MF845 and MF 846.

Added to that, Xiamen Airlines and Alaska Airlines have signed a partnership agreement to connect Xiamen Airlines passengers travelling to Seattle to fly onward to other destinations across Canada, Mexico, and the United States via an Alaskan Airline flight, the PR Newswire reported.

Meanwhile, Che also announced that direct flights between Fuzhou and New York as well as Xiamen and Los Angeles will be launched next year.

TagsXiamen airlines