Boost to region’s economy as direct flights with China resume today

Direct air links between the North West and China have been restored today with the return of the Hainan Airlines link from Beijing to Manchester from today (August 22).

The route has returned for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Hainan initially began flights to Manchester in 2016, providing a significant boost for trade, investment and tourism throughout the region.

The UK and Chinese governments last week agreed Manchester-China was one of the air corridors that could resume after a two-and-a-half year hiatus, and Hainan has moved quickly to start operating the popular service again, in time for the busy student season.

The news has been hailed as a major boost to the North and the UK’s levelling-up ambitions, with Manchester Airport becoming the only gateway outside of London with a direct service to mainland China.

Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “Today’s announcement is clear evidence of the vital economic role that Manchester Airport plays, both in the North and the UK as a whole, as we emerge from the pandemic.

“Prior to 2020, the Hainan service provided vital connectivity to one of the world’s most important economies and I am sure this news will be welcomed by the hundreds of thousands of people across the North who travel to and from China each year.

“It is extremely positive to see critical routes like this return to our departure boards and we look forward to working closely with Hainan Airlines to build on the previous success of this route.”

Pre-pandemic, there were around 100,000 people a year who travelled between Manchester and Beijing from the airport’s catchment area.

Economic impact studies showed the route led to a 38% increase in Chinese visitors to the North, with an average spend per visit increasing by 94%, and export values grew by 41%.

The return of the route will also be incredibly encouraging for the more than 40 universities across the airport’s catchment area that welcome thousands of Chinese students each year.

Due to policy in China, the outbound service to Beijing will initially stop in the Chinese city of Dalian, but the inbound service will be direct from Beijing. From October the service will operate on a Tuesday.

Tao Zhu, the CEO from Hainan Airlines said: “It is great to bring Hainan Airlines back to Manchester. Hainan Airlines is a 5-star Skytrax rated airline and we will operate an A330 aircraft on the route offering both economy and business classes. The flight arrives in Manchester at 10:00 each Monday and departs at 15:00.”

He added: “At the beginning of the resumption of flight, it will travel via Dalian first. After completing the seven days quarantine, passengers will be able to fly to other destinations within China according to their preferences.”

The route resumption has been welcomed by organisations across the North.

Rhys Whalley, executive director, Manchester China Forum (acting managing director, MIDAS), said: “This is welcome news and signals our journey back to improved connectivity with mainland China.”

VisitEngland/VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates, said: “We want to deliver a world-class welcome for returning Chinese visitors and the resumption of services making it easier for them to get here is a crucial part of our competitive tourism offer and recovery post-COVID.

“In 2019 China was the UK’s second most valuable inbound market, worth £1.7bn and Hainan’s direct route to Manchester will not only act as a gateway to the greater North West, but also make it easier for visitors to come and explore regional Britain spreading the economic benefits of tourism growth across the UK.”

Zheng Xiyuan, consul general of the People’s Republic of China to Manchester, said: “The route was suspended due to COVID-19, but even so, Hainan Airlines continued to send tens of thousands of Chinese students to Manchester on charter flights during the pandemic. Used mainly by Chinese students, the route is their way to pursue knowledge and their way home, and the bridge of white clouds carrying the longing of countless parents for their children, and the profound friendship between Chinese people and British people.”

Damian Waters, CBI North West regional director, said: “Access to key global markets is vital to the future prosperity of the North West. China is already a key market for many businesses in the region, while many others will be seeking to forge trade links over there in the coming months and years as they continue to recover post-pandemic. Because of this, having the direct flight service return from the region’s primary international gateway to Beijing is of strategic importance, and should deliver real economic benefits to all parts of the North West.”

Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said: “The return of the route will not only benefit Greater Manchester but open up the North of England, including Liverpool, to further growth in our visitor economy and business tourism. We look forward to offering a warm welcome to business and leisure visitors to Liverpool to experience our exciting cultural offering.”