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The first direct air service from Manchester to mainland China is due to be confirmed on Friday as President Xi Jinping visits the city.
Carrier Hainan Airlines will run flights to Beijing from next June.
Confirmation of the Beijing service was confirmed by Ambassador Liu Xiaoming in a column in the Manchester Evening News.
The four flights a week from Manchester to the Chinese capital are already available to book on the Hainan Airlines website.
The route will be officially announced today when president Xi joins prime minister David Cameron at Manchester airport.
The Ambassador said: “The President’s visit will encourage productive cooperation at the local level. Both China and the UK are open for business.
“Their respective strengths in economic and trade cooperation are well matched.
“During the state visit, President Xi will attend the launch of a new direct flight between Manchester and Beijing.