British Airways’ first flight from London to Beijing in more than three years touched down at Beijing Daxing Airport on Sunday (June 4).
It was the first passenger flight between the two cities since January 2020, when the route was suspended amid the pandemic.
BA is the only British carrier operating a direct service between Beijing and the UK.
Flights operate four times a week between Beijing and Heathrow, departing Daxing Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The aircraft on the route feature BA’s newly designed Club Suite (business class) cabin, with direct-aisle access, a suite door and flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
They offer 40% more storage, WiFi and 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, plus new furnishings, amenity kits and improved dining.
Louise Street, BA director of worldwide airports, said: “The restart of one of our most important routes after more than three years is a long-awaited moment for all of us at British Airways.
“Following the successful resumption of flights between Shanghai and London in April, we’re excited to be back in Beijing too, reuniting families and friends and facilitating international student and business travel once again.
“We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with our joint business partner China Southern, to provide wider transit options and various benefits to our customers in China and the UK.”
BA and China Southern both operate from Daxing, giving a wider choice of onward flights and enhanced benefits.
In October 2019, British Airways was the first international flag carrier to move operations across to the newly opened Daxing Airport, which has a high-speed rail link into the city.
More: British Airways launches route to Turkish airport