Cathay Pacific has deployed its newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, to Canada for the first time.

The long-haul jet touched down at Vancouver International Airport this week following a non-stop flight from Hong Kong. This marked the first scheduled A350 service in Canadian history.

Cathay has added three more services to Vancouver for the 2017 summer season, taking its total frequency to 17 weekly flights.

“I’m thrilled to not only celebrate Cathay Pacific’s increased frequency and continued success at YVR, but also the first Canadian arrival of the fantastic Airbus A350-900,” said Craig Richmond, president & CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “It is exciting to see the continued growth of this route and opportunities that stem from it as YVR works towards building a world class sustainable gateway between Asia and the Americas.”

Vancouver is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for airlines in Greater China; at present, nine airlines from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan serve the Canadian city, with a 10th, Hong Kong Airlines, due to launch flights to Vancouver this summer.

“As a province that works hard to promote trade and attract investment throughout Asia, we welcome these additional direct flights on Cathay Pacific’s important Vancouver-Hong Kong route,” said Teresa Wat, British Columbia’s Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific Strategy & Multiculturalism. “Direct flights connect us easily across the Pacific, opening up new opportunities for business.”