Port of Seattle, City of Seattle and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Announce First U.S. Service by China’s Xiamen Airlines With Xiamen-Shenzhen Connection to Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE – During a press conference in Shenzhen, China today, the Port of Seattle, the City of Seattle and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce announced the first U.S. service by China’s Xiamen (pronounced sha’-mun) Airlines for direct connections to Xiamen and Shenzhen with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, beginning September 26, 2016.
 
The new service complements strong business and community ties between Seattle and Shenzhen, one of China’s largest cities. The announcement was made on “Seattle Day,” a celebration of the strong business relationships between the two cities during the Chamber’s International Leadership Mission. “Seattle Day” was started in Shenzhen in 2014 and was followed by “Shenzhen Day” in Seattle last year.
 
 “Service between the two leading technology centers of Shenzhen and Seattle is a very important addition to the Port of Seattle's direct flights throughout Asia," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. "We value Xiamen Airlines commitment to connecting our region’s leisure and business travelers to new opportunities with state of the art Boeing 787 airplanes. Our goal of being a world-class international airport not only refers to customer service but also reaching new and diverse parts of the world."
 
The aircraft route will begin in the city of Xiamen (headquarters to Xiamen Airlines), then shuttle to Shenzhen before making the nonstop flight to Seattle. Xiamen Airlines, who operates the largest all-Boeing fleet in China, will serve the route three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) with 787-8 aircraft.
 
“The City of Seattle is excited to welcome Xiamen Airlines and the people of Shenzhen,” Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said. “Seattle and Shenzhen are both global centers of technology and innovation, and the addition of direct air service will be a significant benefit as we continue to strengthen our international ties, create new opportunities for economic growth, and promote tourism between our two cities.”
 
The Seattle delegation’s visit to Shenzhen is the third International Leadership Mission trip to China organized by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle. This year’s trip provides the 62-member delegation the opportunity to foster stronger, deeper relationships and lasting connections with key leaders and businesses in China for the betterment of the Seattle region’s economy. 
 
“Xiamen Airlines’ new nonstop service between Shenzhen and Seattle builds on the special connection our cities share, enhancing our region’s standing as a globally competitive hub for international trade and investment,” said Maud Daudon, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to our region’s longstanding, solid relationships with Chinese businesses in Shenzhen, we are also experiencing a tremendous increase in tourism between both countries, with a 7.6 percent increase in visitors year over year.”

"Xiamen Airlines boasts a fleet of 153 all-Boeing airplanes and 29 consecutive years of profitability,” said Zhao Dong, Executive Vice President of Xiamen Airlines. “The number of passengers carried annually by Xiamen Airlines exceeds 23 million and the annual operating revenue tops 20 billion yuan. The inauguration of Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle route extends the flight network of Xiamen Airlines to the U.S. for the first time, providing a new choice for passengers travelling between China and the U.S. We are devoted to provide considerate service and new flying experience to our passengers, striving to become a leading carrier in Asia-Pacific region serving with global flight network."

Sea-Tac has been the fastest growing large hub airport in the U.S. for the past two years. In 2015, passenger traffic set a record for the fifth straight year with over 42.3 million travelers. Through the first quarter of 2016, normally the slowest travel season, passenger numbers are up ten percent.