Air China has confirmed plans to start serving Beijing from Gatwick as well as Heathrow from next year.
China’s national flag carrier will run four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from May 2.
The airline will use an Airbus A330-200 on the Gatwick route.
“The new services mean that Air China will operate to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports,” a spokesman said.
“Air China will not only offer more flight options to the passengers, but also make it easier for passengers to make transfers in Beijing as a hub.”