China’s national carrier connects Silicon Valley to Shanghai

SAN JOSE, California – Air China is operating three new weekly flights – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – on the modern Airbus A330-200, between San Jose and Shanghai Pudong.

History was made today with the launch of #SanJoseShanghai, Air China’s (CA) new flight between Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). This flight marks first-ever nonstop service between these hi-tech and forward-looking cities, and Air China’s first destination to North America from Shanghai.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo joined Air China’s Vice Chairman Cao Jianxiong, Air China’s Vice President Dr. Chi Zhihang, Consul General of China in San Francisco Luo Linquan, and Director of Aviation Kim Becker in welcoming the inaugural flight from Shanghai, CA 829.

“We congratulate Air China on inaugurating nonstop service between San Jose and Shanghai today, and for marking an additional milestone in launching its first flight from Shanghai to North America, via Silicon Valley’s airport,” Mayor Sam Liccardo said. “Our technology companies have enthusiastically asked for this nonstop service, and I know through their support this flight to China’s major center of commerce will be a success.”

Lion dancers in colorful costumes pranced around the international arrivals gate area for an auspicious start of the new service that links two of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The East-West theme, blending old and new, tradition and technology, and culture and commerce, showcased Shanghai and Silicon Valley – global centers for hi-tech and innovation.

“As Air China’s first nonstop international service that connects North America and Shanghai, it is our hope that this new San Jose-Shanghai flight will facilitate bilateral trade, and economic and cultural relations between two of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities,” said Cao.

The much-heralded launch, Air China’s latest in the region, caps several weeks of preparations. Pole banners with images of Shanghai’s shimmering skyscrapers have been ubiquitous on the streets of San Jose and throughout the airport.

Becker emceed the event and warmly welcomed Cao, Chi and the entire Air China team to Silicon Valley’s airport. She shared the excitement that has been steadily building in San Jose since the service was announced in June this year. “Shanghai ranked in the top five most requested international business destinations by Silicon Valley travelers in a corporate survey conducted by SJC’s community partners, and our community is delighted this flight is now offered at SJC,” she said.

“Air China’s new service is expected to bring an estimated $65 million annually in economic investment to the San Jose area,” Becker said while highlighting the economic benefits of the thrice-weekly flight for both SJC and the region.

Overall, Silicon Valley’s thriving airport creates an estimated 32,000 jobs annually in the San Jose area, and visitor spending each year generates $1.7 billion through hotel stays, dining, shopping, entertainment and ground transportation.