A new route to Chengdu in China is being launched by British Airways in September 2013.
The announcement comes just weeks after the airline started flights to Seoul in South Korea.
BA will be the only UK carrier to offer a direct service between Chengdu Shuangliu international airport and Heathrow with three flights a week from September 22, 2013. The route will be served by a four-class Boeing 777.
Discounted fares starting at £508 return are available to book until January 6.
BA will also be increasing frequencies on services from Heathrow to Amman, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Toronto in summer 2013.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA parent International Airlines Group announced the new China route in Chengdu today.
He said: “I have visited China on many occasions and last year went to Chengdu to see for myself the progress that has been made at the airport.
“It is truly impressive and shows vision and ambition.
“I am delighted to announce this new route which demonstrates the importance of mainland China to British Airways and our commitment to grow our presence here.
“Economic growth in China is continuing to outstrip that of most other countries, and Chengdu is not only the capital of Sichuan Province in the South West of China but one of the country’s largest cities.
“Since 1990, Chengdu’s economy has expanded rapidly, consistently delivering double-digit rates of growth. We are confident that the new route between Chengdu and London will prove popular with customers travelling between the two major economic hubs.”