New flights linking major UK airport to Asia confirmed bringing 'huge benefits' to the north of England

The route will be the first from the north of England to the modern Asian metropolis, operating three days a week.

Flights will run on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft offering business and economy classes.

All three flights were expected to launch in 2020 but were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019, the airline became the first privately-owned Chinese carrier to operate intercontinental flights, linking Shanghai and Helsinki.

Cirium chief executive Jeremy Bowen said: “As Cirium data shows, Manchester is one of the most connected cities in the UK for flights, so that is why we welcome the start of the new three-day-a-week service from Juneyao Air linking Manchester and Shanghai.

“With the start of these new flights, 2024 is projected to see Manchester airport offer more departing seats than before the pandemic and is helping secure its position as one of the most connected airports in the UK.

“We know this will bring significant economic benefits to the north of England as aviation is a great economic enabler and the more links an airport has, the greater benefits I can convey.”

Manchester airport managing director Chris Woodroofe added: “It is so exciting that Juneyao Air has chosen Manchester as its first UK destination.

“Manchester and the north’s links to China go back many years; Manchester’s Chinatown is one of the biggest and oldest in the UK and Liverpool is twinned with Shanghai.

“This new link will bring huge benefits to the region.

“It will help the region’s Chinese communities connect with their friends and families and provide new customers and connections for northern businesses."

Gatwick Airport recently confirmed it is making 14 new routes available to holidaymakers in July, August and September.

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This includes short-haul flights to Gothenburg (Sweden), Vagar (Faroe Islands) and Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal).

A spokesperson for the airport said: "Passengers across London and the South East will have the choice of 223 destinations from 56 airlines at London Gatwick this summer, with 14 services launching ahead of the UK school summer holidays."

"We are looking forward to welcoming passengers as they fly from London Gatwick this summer.

"Once at the airport, 95 per cent of passengers on average fly through security in less than five minutes than five minutes and can experience great rental and food and beverage offerings."