Hong Kong Airlines on Tuesday announced it is launching nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport on Dec. 18.

The launch of this service marks Hong Kong Airlines’ entry into the continental U.S. market; the airline entered the North American market in June with daily service from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Hong Kong.

“Following the success of the Vancouver route, we are excited to launch our first route in the continental United States and further expand our international network,” said George Liu, the airline’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. “By strengthening the connection between North America and our Asia Pacific destinations, we can provide more options for American business, leisure, academic, and family travelers.”

Hong Kong Airlines is the second company to launch service between LAX and the Hong Kong market; Air China recently announced the launch of four daily flights to Shenzhen, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong; those flights also start in December.

The Hong Kong carrier will use Airbus 350 aircraft for the flights, which will start off in December at four times a week and expand to daily service in January. Business-class tickets start at $5,271 including taxes and fees, with economy-class tickets starting at $786.

The airline also announced it is partnering with famous Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan for a marketing campaign to drum up business for its new North American routes.

Public policy and energy reporter Howard Fine can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @howardafine.