Launch of first direct Manchester to Shanghai flights set to bring tourism and business boost

Tourist destinations and businesses across the North are poised for the economic boost of new direct flights to Shanghai from Manchester Airport, which began 1st July.

Chinese airline, Juneyao Air, has chosen Manchester Airport as the location for its first ever UK service, which will connect the North with Shanghai for the first time. The route was first announced prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and will be the second direct route Manchester Airport has with mainland China, adding to Hainan Airlines’ Beijing route which has operated since 2016. The three-times weekly service will also connect with onward travel to other cities in the South of the country.

The launch of the route comes as China regains its position as the world’s top spender on international tourism. Chinese visitors each typically spend more than £3,800 compared to the average visitor spend of just over £800, meaning tourist destinations and business across the region are set to benefit from increase travel.

Wang Junjin, Chairman of Juneyao Airlines, said:

“Today marks another milestone for Juneyao Airlines as we successfully launched the route to Manchester, the second largest city in the United Kingdom. We feel deeply honoured and proud.

“After 18 years of development, Juneyao Airlines has become a more mature, high-quality international airline. We have always adhered to the strategy of building a high-value carrier and continuously promoting international development is one of our major strategies.

“We hope that this new route between China and the UK will provide more opportunities for exchanges between the two countries and contribute to the ongoing implementation of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and the pursuit of openness.”

Manchester Airport Group CEO Ken O’Toole said:

“We know aviation is a critical enabler of growth for sectors that rely on access to global markets to reach their full potential and that is why it is great to see this new route operate from Manchester Airport.

“History tells us that every time new services to key global markets launch from regions outside of London, the create a significant economic ripple effect and that is sure to be the case with this route to Shanghai.

“As an island nation with exportable service industries at its economic core, direct air links like this will have a pivotal role to play in the drive to create a regionally balanced and globally competitive economy.

“That’s why the next government’s Industrial Strategy much by underpinned by a sustainable growth plan for aviation.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Opening up this route to Shanghai is another major milestone for Manchester Airport, connecting our city-region to an important centre of global commerce and bringing new opportunities for trade, travel, and investment.

“For people and businesses across the North, Greater Manchester is the gateway to the world.”

The route also opens up business opportunities with Shanghai, China’s financial capital, and the $1.33 trillion economy of the city and surrounding region.

Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said:

“This is great news for bolstering economic ties between China and the North of England, particularly as it gives us better access to its leading business and financial centre.

“Foreign direct investment into to the North of England has risen in recent years, in large part driven by capital from the Asia Pacific region.

“Improving direct links with major long-haul destinations is proven to strengthen trade ties further, while growing our tourism industry here.”

Manchester became the first UK hub outside of London to gain a direct flight to mainland China when Hainan Airlines launched its service to Beijing in 2016. A report showed that export values from Manchester Airport to China grew 41% to £1.29 billion in the two years after route’s launch, while national values fell 30%. It is hoped the new route could have a similar impact.