Commencing in June 2016, Hainan Airlines’ new service will operate four times a week, departing Beijing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 0145 and arriving in Manchester at 0605.
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With more worldwide routes on tap to be launched by the airline, travelers from China will find it much easier to visit major cities around the world through Hainan Airlines’ network as well as those of its global partners, as well as to be serviced by any of the airports under Manchester Airports Group.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L, front), accompanied by British Prime Minister David Cameron (2nd R, front), visits an exhibition at the airport city in Manchester, Britain, October 23, 2015.
Airport City is the first project from the China-UK Memorandum of Understanding on infrastructure cooperation to go into operation, said Xi, calling on the two sides to make it a showcase project of win-win cooperation. Hainan Airlines’ upcoming Beijing-Manchester route is one of the important achievements during President Xi’s visit to the UK.
“I believe that the Beijing-Manchester route that will be launched will serve to create a new air bridge”, as declared by Chen Feng, Chairman of HNA Group. “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”.
As businesses in China and the North take advantage of the improved connectivity, the Manchester-Beijing route will generate further economic benefits in terms of productivity, increased trade and collaboration, and increased foreign direct investment. Top of the investment list was Hainan Airlines route to Beijing, while a few £4million in investment for Salford’s Middlewood Locks’ urban village is expected to be officially confirmed.
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Manchester will become Hainan Airlines’ sixth European destination (not including Russia), following Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Prague. Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (centre) poses for a “selfie” with Xi (left) and British Prime Minister David Cameron during their visit to the City Football Academy.
