THE first ever direct flight from Manchester to mainland China takes to the skies today (Friday, June 10). The Hainan Airlines non-stop service to Beijing is a first in Britain outside London.
It will make life easier for the 100,000 passengers who currently make the journey from Manchester indirectly
The four times a week service departs each Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, and will be served by an Airbus A330-300. The cabin will have 32 business class seats and 260 in economy. Return fares start from £487.
It will make life easier for the 100,000 passengers who currently make the journey from Manchester indirectly, saving an estimated £5m each year for business class clients. Rhys Whalley, executive director of the Manchester-China Forum, said it was a ‘significant milestone’ for the entire region.
It should also boost tourist travel, giving visitors easier access to destinations such as the Forbidden City (pictured above). Check out Manchester airport’s Beijing Travel Guide.
This major coup for the Aiport was first announced last October by Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China on a visit to the Airport with PM David Cameron.
Award-winning Hainan is China’s largest privately-owned airline and it is estimated the new route will generate at least £250 million in economic benefits to the UK over the next decade, with two-thirds being felt directly in the Northern economy in terms of increased jobs, economic activity and tourism.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: “Manchester Airport is the global gateway for the Northern Powerhouse and both the China Cluster and the new direct route will provide an opportunity for Chinese investors to access the many opportunities available to them in the North. Businesses in the North will also be significant beneficiaries as it will soon become much easier for them to build strong commercial relationships with Chinese partners.”
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