New Flight to China Means More Investors
Hainan Airlines recently departed from Mineta San Jose International Airport en route to Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the first-ever nonstop service between the People's Republic of China and Silicon Valley. The flight's economic impact for the San Jose region is estimated at $105M annually and will create an additional 52 San Jose-based jobs, based on City of San Jose studies and airline information. With 213 seats, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has five flights per week. "With the growth of the technology industry, trade between China and the US, and especially this region, has expanded," says Hainan Airlines vice chairman Mu Weigang. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo echoed those sentiments. (Bisnow spotted him working the room at the US Conference of Mayors in S.F. in June, which also welcomed President Barack Obama, Carlos Santana and MC Hammer.)