Direct air links with China have been restored from Manchester Airport in the UK for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Hainan Airlines is serving the link between Manchester and Beijing. Due to policy in China, the outbound service to Beijing will stop initially in the Chinese city of Dalian, however the inbound service will be direct from Beijing.
Last week the UK and Chinese governments agreed the air corridor between Manchester and China could resume after a two-year hiatus with Hainan Airlines moving quickly to start operating the popular service again. The airline initially started serving the route, which has been key to unlocking hundreds of millions of pounds in trade, investment and tourism, in 2016.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport described the resumption of the service as “clear evidence of the vital economic role that Manchester Airport plays, both in the North and the UK as a whole, as we emerge from the pandemic.”
He also stated that: “Prior to 2020, the Hainan service provided vital connectivity to one of the world’s most important economies and I am sure this news will be welcomed by the hundreds of thousands of people across the North who travel to and from China each year.”
Prior to the pandemic the link between Manchester and Beijing was used by around 100,000 people. Economic impact studies showed the route led to a 38% increase in Chinese visitors to the North, with an average spend per visit increasing by 94% and export values grew by 41%.
The route is also important for Chinese students travelling annually to the more than 40 universities across Manchester Airport’s catchment area.
Tao Zhu, Hainan Airlines CEO said: “It is great to bring Hainan Airlines back to Manchester. Hainan Airlines is a 5-star Skytrax rated airline and we will operate an A330 aircraft on the route offering both economy and business classes.”
Noting that initially the outbound service will stop in Dalian he added, “After completing the seven days quarantine, passengers will be able to fly to other destinations within China according to their preferences.”
Meanwhile VisitEngland/ VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates added: “In 2019 China was the UK’s second most valuable inbound market, worth £1.7 billion and Hainan’s direct route to Manchester will not only act as a gateway to the greater North West but also make it easier for visitors to come and explore regional Britain spreading the economic benefits of tourism growth across the UK.”
