On July 12, South Korean budget carrier T’way Air launched its inaugural flight from Seoul to Vancouver, making YVR the first North American airport to host regular service from the airline. The route, operating four times weekly, is expected to generate $39.8 million in economic output and create 237 jobs in British Columbia.
Premier David Eby hailed the connection as a bridge between cultures and economies, while YVR CEO Tamara Vrooman emphasized its strategic value in diversifying trade and strengthening supply chains.
South Korea is already Canada’s second-largest air export destination, and the new route enhances cargo capacity for high-demand sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals. It also reflects a broader trend of Asia-Pacific nations bypassing traditional hubs to forge direct links.
Such connections are vital in an era of geopolitical fragmentation. They offer resilience against tariff shocks and reinforce regional interdependence. The flight is more than a convenience for Canada—it’s a strategic foothold in the Pacific century.
