Western China will get two new connections to New York this winter, as Hainan Airlines continues to expand its trans-Pacific network.

On 20 October 2017, the Chinese carrier will launch non-stop services between Chongqing and New York’s JFK Airport. Operating twice a week, this long-haul route will mark the first direct link between Western China and the Big Apple. Then on 26 October 2017, Hainan Airlines will start flying twice a week between Chengdu and JFK.

Both of these routes will be operated using a fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which enables airline’s to operate ultra-long-haul routes in a cost-effective manner.

Hainan Airlines has, to date, launched 12 direct routes from mainland China to eight destinations in North America. These include services from both Chongqing and Chengdu to Los Angeles. The launch of the New York flights will give Hainan Airlines the most routes between the US and China of any Chinese carrier.

The new routes will connect some of the world’s most populous cities, with New York City’s total of approximately eight million residents dwarfed by the 14 million who live in Chengdu and the staggering 38 million who reside in the Chongqing Municipality.