Gatwick Airport has welcomed a new agreement between the UK and Chinese governments to more than double the number of permitted flights between China and the UK.
Under the new deal, passenger flights can now increase from the current maximum of 40 per week for each nation to up to 100, helping to boost tourism and trade opportunities for the UK.
So far this year, Gatwick Airport has welcomed Tianjin Airlines which now offers the UK’s first and only direct flights to Chinese mega-cities Chongqing and Tianjin, and the return of Cathay Pacific with flights to Hong Kong.
Chongqing is one of the world’s largest urban centres and a major manufacturing hub, while Tianjin is a major gateway port serving Beijing — home to around 285 Fortune 500 companies thanks to its special economic zone where key experimental economic reforms are taking place.
Gatwick Airport chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “China is one of the UK’s most important growth markets and this deal will offer unrivalled opportunities to increase UK trade and tourism.
“With Gatwick already operating new and exclusive links to important Chinese growth markets, alongside more than 50 long-haul services, Gatwick is well positioned to further boost links between China and the UK thanks to this deal and demonstrate Britain remains well and truly open for business.”
A UK government decision is expected soon on additional airport runway capacity in the South East of England, with Gatwick arguing for a second runway and rival Heathrow wanting a third.
