Attractions and businesses across the North are bracing themselves for boom as a new direct route to Shanghai launches.
Juneyao Air has chosen Manchester Airport as the location for its first ever UK service, with the inaugural flight taking off yesterday morning.
Dignitaries from China arrived from Shanghai before the first flight took people from the North to Shanghai. Passengers enjoyed celebrations at the gate including traditional dancing and cakes before boarding.
The three-times-a-week route to Shanghai is the first ever connection between the North and China’s financial capital, which also serves as a gateway to the south of the country. The first flurry of flights into and out of Manchester are almost fully booked, indicating the popularity of the route.
It takes off as China regained its position as the world’s top spender on international tourism, with years of pent-up post-pandemic demand tipped to be released this year.
Wang Junjin, Chairman of Juneyao Airlines, said:
“Today marks another milestone for Juneyao Airlines as we successfully launched the route to Manchester, the second largest city in the United Kingdom. We feel deeply honoured and proud.
“After 18 years of development, Juneyao Airlines has become a more mature, high-quality international airline. We have always adhered to the strategy of building a high-value carrier and continuously promoting international development is one of our major strategies.
“We hope that this new route between China and the UK will provide more opportunities for exchanges between the two countries and contribute to the ongoing implementation of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and the pursuit of openness.”
Manchester Airport Group CEO Ken O’Toole said:
“We know aviation is a critical enabler of growth for sectors that rely on access to global markets to reach their full potential and that is why it is great to see this new route operate from Manchester Airport.
“History tells us that every time new services to key global markets launch from regions outside of London, the create a significant economic ripple effect and that is sure to be the case with this route to Shanghai.
“As an island nation with exportable service industries at its economic core, direct air links like this will have a pivotal role to play in the drive to create a regionally balanced and globally competitive economy.
“That’s why the next government’s Industrial Strategy much by underpinned by a sustainable growth plan for aviation.”
The route will run on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft offering business and economy classes. Tickets are available via website.
