Manchester gains Beijing flight frequency boost
Hainan Airlines service goes daily next summer
Kass
Flight frequency between Manchester and Beijing is being increased to a daily service next summer by Hainan Airlines.
The carrier currently operates four times a week on the route to China but is expanding to a daily service between June and September 2024.
The airline uses two-class Airbus A330 aircraft for the 10-hour journey.
Manchester airport became the first UK hub outside of London to gain a direct flight to mainland China when Hainan Airlines started its service to Beijing in 2016.
The route was suspended for more than two years during the pandemic until August 2022.
The Chinese airline’s partnership with Loganair means passengers from Aberdeen, Inverness, Isle of Man and Newquay can connect via an airside transfer at Manchester.
Manchester airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “From next summer, we will become the only UK airport outside London offering daily direct flights to mainland China, meaning we are able to connect the people of the region to one of the most important economies in the world, and vice versa.
“Hainan Airlines’ decision to operate a daily Beijing flight from Manchester is testament to the success of the current service. More than 350,000 passengers have used it since it was first launched seven years ago.
“We know the route is also extremely popular with Chinese visitors. We are a gateway to some of the most vibrant cities and beautiful countryside the UK has to offer, and the daily service is fantastic news for tourism, businesses, and universities across our region – as well as for Manchester’s Chinese community.”
Hainan Airlines UK general manager Peter Han added: “We are thrilled to be almost doubling capacity on our Manchester to Beijing service next summer with a daily flight.
“There is a lot of demand for travel between the North of England and China, in both directions. This expansion of our service will allow us to meet demand over the busy summer season and marks an exciting new chapter for our operation at Manchester airport.”
