Hainan Airlines launched its new flight between Beijing Capital International Airport and Mineta San José International Airport on Monday, marking first-ever nonstop service between China and Silicon Valley.

"With the growth of the technology industry, trade between China and the U.S., and especially this region, has expanded. Travelers will no longer have to endure traffic and taking longer routings when they are flying to or from Silicon Valley, and San José Airport is known for its amenities and accessibility,” said Mu Weigang, vice chairman of Hainan Airlines.

Silicon Valley companies have more than 550 corporate locations in China, and have a growing focus on developing more business across Asia and the Chinese market in particular. With more than 220,000 Silicon Valley residents with Chinese heritage, China is also a top destination for travelers returning to visit family and friends.

Mu said that Hainan’s nonstop flights to Beijing with connections to other Chinese cities provides greater opportunities to enhance this business and take advantage of more efficient travel options.

Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San Jose congratulated Hainan Airlines on its inaugural nonstop service between Silicon Valley and Beijing, saying that " I strongly encourage all business and leisure travelers to fly Hainan’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner to mainland China from SJC.”

Hainan offers five flights per week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - on modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the Beijing-Silicon Valley route.

San José is the fourth U.S. city for Hainan. The carrier currently operates at three other gateways in the U.S. – Seattle, Boston and Chicago-O’Hare, and offers scheduled domestic and international service on 600 routes from Beijing, Haikou, and other operating bases on the Chinese mainland.