A new air link is to be established between Manchester airport and China’s biggest city Shanghai.
Chinese private carrier Juneyao Air will operate its first UK service to the northern gateway from March next year.
Flights will run three times a week using a two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Juneyao’s service with operate initially via Helsinki on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
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It will be a boost for the 180,000 people and businesses within Manchester airport’s catchment area who already travel to Shanghai each year.
Juneyao Air operates a fleet of 72 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A320s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners on more than 160 routes carrying 18 million passengers last year.
Mancester airport CEO Andrew Cowan said: “This news underlines the critical role Manchester airport plays in connecting people and businesses across the north to the world’s most important markets.
“We have seen first-hand how new routes to high-growth economies can unlock significant trade, cultural and knowledge exchange opportunities and this will be no different.
“We are delighted that Juneyao Air has recognised everything the north has to offer, in terms of its business base, natural and cultural assets and world-leading universities when choosing to launch this new service.”
Juneyao Air chairman Wang Junjin added: “Juneyao Air is delighted to launch its first fifth-freedom route to Manchester, and we look forward to developing Manchester’s traffic growth in the coming years.
“This route will further promote Greater Manchester’s tourism, as well giving Britain an opportunity to boost its trade and investment links to China.”
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