Non-stop flight between Manchester, China launched
Updated: 2014-12-09 14:34
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
The first ever non-stop flight between a British provincial airport and China was launched Monday.
Cathay Pacific started the four-time a week service from Britain's third biggest airport, Manchester, to Hong Kong two years ahead of schedule.
Angus Barclay, Cathay Pacific's European general manager, said the flight "brings opportunities to build strong links between the UK and China from both business and leisure perspectives, boosting Manchester's standing as an international hub."
Previously, direct flights from Britain to China were only available from London.
Airport executives in Manchester have said the new Hong Kong route heralds a great opportunity to help stimulate economic growth in the North West, supporting the development of the 800 million pounds (981 million U.S. dollars) Airport City Manchester, which has a joint venture partner from China and will benefit businesses looking to export or trade with the Asia Pacific region.
With Chinese businesses already based at Airport City, the new route provides a perfect link for more Chinese businesses looking for an entry point in Britain.
It also means Manchester will finally have a new gateway to the Chinese mainland with Cathay Pacific offering more than 20 destinations from Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific already operate five flights a day from London Heathrow to Hong Kong, with Barclay saying the addition of the Manchester route provides a real opportunity to help stimulate economic growth in the North of England.
Passengers between Manchester and Hong Kong will travel aboard a Boeing 777-300ER extended range aircraft.
Inbound flights will arrive in Manchester from Hong Kong at 0620 GMT, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flights will depart from Manchester the same day at 1200 GMT and will arrive in Hong Kong at 0755 local time every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- DPRK leader inspects Air and Anti-Air Force
- Plane crashes into Maryland house
- Jackpot for artists
- Kate visits NYC kids; Prince William joins Obama
- More risk, more fun: extreme sports of 2014
- Penguins attracted to Chinese icebreaker Xuelong
- Prince William and Kate arrive on first trip to NYC
- Welcome aboard
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Using the present to preserve the past |
Balloon goes up after idea for an ad fails |
China's faltering steps on family foster care |
PLA targets corruption |
Taiwan chief administrator resigns after defeat in elections |
Winners of expat blogging contest |
Today's Top News
Chinese flock to NYC museums
China to move up post-2020 climate goals
Confucius Institute may diversify funding
Mobile spending picks up speed
China urges US to block arms sales to Taiwan
Chinese military urged to improve work style
Zuckerberg reads Chinese president's book
Economists recommend 7% growth goal in 2015
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |