Hong Kong Airlines is bringing Jackie Chan to Vancouver this month

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      Hong Kong Airlines (HK Airlines) is gearing up for its Vancouver launch with a punch.

      The airline’s new daily route from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) begins on June 30, and it has revealed the celebrity ambassador who will be taking its inaugural flight.

      International movie icon Jackie Chan will be in town at the end of the month to help kick off the new non-stop flight service between Vancouver and Hong Kong—the city known as Asia’s hub.

      Jackie Chan will be in town on June 30 to celebrate the Hong Kong-based carrier's inaugural flight to Vancouver.
      Hong Kong Airlines

      The Hong Kong star—known for his movies that highlight his martial-arts skills, as well as his hilarious on-screen bickering with Chris Tucker in the Rush Hour franchise—will also be participating at the Canada Day celebrations at Canada Place on July 1. HK Airlines is the event’s official international airline partner. 

      "We are thrilled to collaborate with Jackie Chan, a trusted figure among the North American consumer, to help us make our first appearance in the market as we expand our services into Canada with intention to cultivate a global audience," said George Liu, chief marketing officer of Hong Kong Airlines, in a press statement. "[He] offers an opportunity to further establish an East-meets-West, cross-cultural connection for our new customers, and complements our truly Hong Kong brand that bridge our new routes into Western gateways."

      This new daily YVR to HKG flight service will be the Hong Kong-based carrier’s first North American route. It currently flies to over 30 destinations in the Asia Pacific region.

      Its daily flights, serviced on an Airbus 330-200 (264 economy class seats and 18 business class seats), will depart YVR at 12:10 p.m. and arrive at HKG at 4:50 p.m. the next day, while return flights leave HKG at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at YVR at 10:10 a.m.

      The new YVR to HKG route will take place on an A330-200 aircraft.
      Hong Kong Airlines

      For frequent air travellers, it’s a known fact that the YVR to HKG route is a highly competitive one. HK Airlines will be competing against older and more established carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Air Canada.

      However, HK Airlines will be introducing plenty of attractive in-flight features that can cater to both luxury and budget fliers.

      Passengers on its new YVR to HKG flight will be able to use a new in-flight entertainment system on Apple iPad Mini 4s. Gourmet popcorn from British brand Joe + Seph’s will also be served, complementing and elevating the in-air movie experience.

      Both business and economy cabins will feature a SkyBar—a bar that will serve drinks and snacks, allowing passengers to mingle and stretch their legs throughout the 12-hour flight.

      Both business and economy cabins will feature an in-flight bar, which will be stocked with a variety of beverages.
      Hong Kong Airlines

      If you plan on celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion during your flight, HK Airlines’ Sweeten You Up service (which comes with a charge) will appeal to you. This special service can help passengers arrange for complimentary entry to their VIP lounge, and the in-flight delivery of cards, cakes and champagne, among others.

      For those who happen to travel with instruments, HK Airlines offers a variety of musical instrument boxes to protect your music-maker from potential damages.

      The new lost-and-found feature on the HK Airlines app can help passengers retrieve or report lost items. We don’t know about you, but we’ve seen our fair share of lone USB cables, sunglasses, and even cellular devices tucked into the seat’s back pocket.

      HK Airlines was established in 2006, and has been rapidly expanding and adding new routes these past few years. It has plans to add more North American flight services in the near future.

      Follow Tammy Kwan on Twitter @ch0c0tam and Instagram @ch0c0tam.

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