BA eyes Shanghai flights
British Airways plans to start flights this summer from Heathrow to Shanghai, the airline announced yesterday.
The initiative is subject to approval by the Chinese authorities, but Robert Boyle, BA’s director of commercial planning, said he was hopeful this would be granted.
“We have flown to both Hong Kong and Beijing for many years and are keen to start services to Shanghai,” he said.
“The city is the powerhouse of the Chinese economy and, as the economy continues to grow, we believe there will be a great demand for our flights.
“Shanghai Pudong airport is due to open a second runway and we are talking to the Chinese authorities about securing take-off and landing slots in Shanghai for our flights. We hope to fly five times a week with a Boeing 777 aircraft.”
The airline’s plans have been boosted by the news that the British and Chinese governments have agreed to changes in travel visa rules which will make it easier for Chinese citizens to visit the UK.
The airline currently flies from Heathrow to Beijing four times each week and this will increase to six times a week from June. It also runs a service 17 times a week from Heathrow to Hong Kong and the aim is to increase this to 21 flights a week, also in June.
Report by News From Abroad
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