New flights to connect UK to important long-haul locations

Both China and Australia are in easier reach for business travellers thanks to flight schedules announced from London and Manchester.

Hainan Airlines’ daily flights from Manchester Airport to Beijing (until the end of September) offer the only direct route to mainland China outside of London and using the state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The decision to go daily followed the popularity of the five flights a week schedule the airline operated throughout June.

The general manager of Hainan Airlines, Loic Gao commented:

‘In line with our ambitious expansion into the UK market, the decision to increase our capacity to a daily flight from Manchester to Beijing shows our commitment to our UK operation.

‘We are extremely pleased with the route performance so far and by adding the extra flights for the summer season, we’re certain the news will be welcomed by both our business and leisure passengers.’

Manchester Airport’s commercial director, Stephen Turner, added:

‘We are pleased with the response to the direct flight and we continue to see people from across our wider catchment area making use of the flight instead of travelling to London or other hubs.’

Perth to London non-stop

Qantas is set to offer the first ever non-stop flight between Europe and Australia, with flights between London and Perth.

Using Western Australia as a hub, the route will start in March 2018, representing the shortest and fastest ever version of the ‘Kangaroo Route’.

Using the 787-9 Dreamliner craft – designed to offer improved comfort on long-haul flights – the airline is justifiably proud of this history-making route.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce commented:

‘This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft.

‘Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge.

‘It’s great news for the nation because it will bring us closer to one of our biggest trade partners and sources of visitors.’

He also highlighted the appeal of the increased passenger comfort associated with the Dreamliner, saying:

‘We have features in our economy seats that other airlines reserve for premium economy. Our Business Suite has been nicknamed “mini First class” by many of our frequent flyers. And we’re redesigning our onboard service to help reduce jet lag.’

The flights between London and Perth will take around 17 hours and feature enhanced comfort features such as improved air quality and lower cabin noise.

Seats on the flights are already on sale, with 236 passenger places available on each one, spread across business, premium economy and economy cabins.

For advice and assistance with arranging long-haul flights for corporate travel, please contact us.