Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines has its eyes on China for the next phase of its long haul expansion.
CEO Gregg Saretsky said the airline has applied to Transport Canada for approval to launch flights between Canada and China.
"We have entered into the process with Transport Canada and will soon engage with the Chinese delegation in Beijing," Saretsky said.
"We are entering into the century of the Asia-Pacific region. It’s so important for all companies doing business in Canada," Saretsky added.
Speaking at a business gathering in Vancouver, he gave no timeline or specific routes the airline is looking at.
WestJet recently announced plans to buy 10 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners,to fuel overseas growth, particularly on long haul routes.
The first of these planes will be delivered in early 2019.
WestJet currently flies long haul to the UK, and has previously said it plans to expand to other cities in Europe.
