London Gatwick Airport has announced that Air China will continue operating direct services between Gatwick and Beijing into summer 2014. The airline began operating this four weekly non-stop service in May 2012, helping to broaden the UK’s trade links with this fast-growing developing market and giving passengers a real choice of departure points within the South-East.
Mr Wang Mingyuan, Senior Vice President and Chairman of Air China’s Commercial Committee, said: “Air China regards London as an important global market, and the economic and tourism prospects for China and the UK are positive. We are therefore pleased to reintroduce services to London Gatwick with whom we are developing a good strategic partnership.”
Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick Airport CEO said: “Demand between China and the UK is increasing and Gatwick has a very clear role to play in helping the UK remain one of the best connected cities anywhere in the world. The London Gatwick – Beijing route has proved popular since its inception in May last year and so I am very pleased that Air China has decided to continue operating this service into next summer.”
Air China will continue to provide a non-stop service from Gatwick to Beijing International Airport for times a week on the Airbus A330-200 aircraft.