WestJet seeks Transport Canada approval to offer China flights

• WestJet orders 10 Dreamliners for longer-range routes

"We have entered into the process with Transport Canada, and Transport Canada will soon engage the Chinese delegation from Beijing, and before too long we hope to be bringing back the specifics to you," he said.

He didn't announce which cities the airline would fly into, nor a potential launch date.

Saretsky said the plan is "in-syncwith what the Canadian federal government has on its agenda, which is to double the number of inbound arrivals from China by 2022."

Last month, WestJet announced it hadplaced a firm order for 10 Boeing Dreamliners, which will have the range and fuel efficiency to serve new destinations in Asia, South America and expand the airline's presence in Europe.

WestJet's first Dreamliner 787s would be delivered between the first quarter of 2019 and December 2021.

The Calgary-based airline also has an option to buy an additional 10 Dreamliners to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.

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