Discount US airline JetBlue launched service to Canada with the first flight arriving Thursday (June 9) in Vancouver from New York’s JFK International Airport. The New York-based airline, which announced the new route more than a year ago, says it is the only carrier to serve the western Canadian city with non-stop service from JFK.

However, JetBlue will be competing with other US airlines as well as Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet Airlines and Flair Airlines, that either offer direct flights to other New York airports or through connections to JFK.

Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, says the new direct service means easier access from an important East Coast market as the city rebuilds its tourism economy.

“Non-stop air service from key North American cities makes our city an even more appealing destination for business events and for leisure travellers,” she added.

The daily evening and return red-eye flights will be on Airbus A320 aircraft.

JetBlue is growing beyond the US with more than 30 international destination in over 24 countries. Vancouver service brings JetBlue to its first destination in Canada, while diversifying its New York focus city strategy.

“The addition of Vancouver to our route map marks an important milestone for JetBlue as our first Canadian destination,” said Andrea Lusso, VP of network planning, JetBlue. “We look forward to not only introducing our outstanding service and competitive fares to Canadian customers but also providing access to all the cities we serve from New York.”