News release

Province Welcomes New Chinese Airline to Halifax

Intergovernmental Affairs

Nova Scotia is pleased to welcome a new cargo carrier between Halifax and China that will enhance services with a growing trading partner.

"The province congratulates Halifax International Airport Authority on securing Yangtze River Express Airlines as a key partner to bring Nova Scotia lobster and other seafood to Chinese consumers," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "This additional air linkage with China complements our other air and sea cargo transportation partnerships."

The provincial government worked with Halifax International Airport Authority and HNA Group, the parent company of Yangtze River Express, to encourage the federal government to strengthen air service opportunities between Nova Scotia and China.

"This is the latest success following the release of our Nova Scotia-China Engagement Strategy in April 2016 which focuses on building our competitive strengths, enhancing our relationships in China and ensuring a co-ordinated approach," said Premier McNeil. "We are seeing positive outcomes that will result in investment and jobs for Nova Scotians."

Overall exports from Nova Scotia to China totalled $420 million in 2015, an increase of more than 50 per cent from 2014. In 2015 China was Nova Scotia's third largest seafood export market, accounting for $210 million of the province's $1.7 billion in fish and seafood exports.

While 2016 year-end figures are not yet available, as of the end of October, Nova Scotia had already exported $218 million worth of seafood to China.

During December, lobster has been sent around the world through the connections provided by Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Several carriers are transporting seafood including, Air Canada, CargoJet, CAL Cargo Airlines, FedEx, Korean Air Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo.