Chinese airline ups capacity before launch

CHINESE carrier Hainan Airlines has already increased capacity on its forthcoming Manchester-Beijing route.

Launching on June 10, Hainan Airlines will fly four times a week to the Chinese capital and with strong demand in terms of inquiries and pre-booking it will use an Airbus 330-300 aircraft, rather than an A330-200.

The larger aircraft holds a total of 292 passengers, with 32 in business class and 260 in economy, a total of 42 extra seats per flight than the A330-200.

Announced to great fanfare in October by Chinese premier Xi Jinping on the last leg of his UK state visit, the route will make Manchester the only airport outside of London with a direct scheduled service to China.

Xie Haoming, chairman at Hainan Airlines said: “We are delighted to be able to increase the capacity on our flights to and from Manchester. It highlights just how committed Hainan Airlines is on making this route a success.

“After what has been an incredibly positive Chinese New Year, we are now all focused on the route commencing in June. We look forward to welcoming passengers from the North and I am sure our Chinese passengers cannot wait to come and visit Manchester and the wider region.”

Stephen Turner,  commercial director at Manchester Airport said: “It is excellent news that Hainan Airlines is increasing the number of seats on its four flights a week to Beijing. This gives the 22m people in our catchment area more choice and availability on what we believe will be an incredibly popular route.”

The Manchester-Beijing route estimated to be is worth at least £250m in economic benefits to the UK over next decade.