Osborne reveals green light for Manchester to Beijing flight

MANCHESTER Airport appears close to agreeing its first direct flights to mainland China.

On Friday Chancellor George Osborne said China Hainan Airlines had been authorised by the Department for Transport to run a direct flight between Beijing and Manchester.

The airport has been in talks with potential operators for some time and China Hainan has been in the frame for the slot.

But despite the Chancellor’s statement, the airport has insisted no agreement is yet in place.

It said: “We continue to discuss and progress the commercial case for airlines to connect Manchester to key strategic markets, including Beijing.”

Speaking at the UK-China Bilateral Investment Conference on Friday the Chancellor said: “We are increasing opportunities for airlines to operate more services, and to introduce new routes, between the UK and China.

“Today I am delighted to welcome the announcement that China Hainan Airlines has received authorisation for a direct new flight between Beijing and Manchester.”