North’s Direct Links With China Restored

The North’s direct air links with China have this week been restored for the first time since the start of the pandemic, prompting hopes of an economic bost.

Hainan Airlines has resumed its Beijing-Manchester service, originally introduced from the Northern hub in 2016. The route went on to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in trade, investment and tourism benefits.

The UK and Chinese governments last week agreed Manchester-China was one of the air corridors that could resume after a two-and-a-half year hiatus, and Hainan has moved quickly to start operating the popular service again, in time for the busy student season.

The news has been hailed as a major boost to the North and the UK’s levelling-up ambitions, with Manchester Airport becoming the only gateway outside London with a direct service to mainland China.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “This announcement is 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.

“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.

“It is extremely positive to see critical routes like this return to our departure boards and we look forward to working closely with Hainan Airlines to build on the previous success of this route.”

Pre-pandemic, there were around 100,000 people a year travelling between Manchester and Beijing from the airport’s catchment area.

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 return of the route will also be encouraging for the more than 40 universities across the airport’s catchment area that welcome thousands of Chinese students each year.

Due to policy in China, the outbound service to Beijing will initially stop in the Chinese city of Dalian, but the inbound service will be direct from Beijing.From October the service will operate on a Tuesday.

For more information see www.manchesterairport.co.uk or www.hainanairlines.com.