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Heathrow hails the potential of new Chinese megacity link to Qingdao

Beijing Capital Airlines has today (Tuesday) announced the launch of a new direct passenger and cargo service from Heathrow Airport to Qingdao on China’s east coast.

The new route, which will provide three direct services a week beginning this summer, has come about after China and the UK agreed to significantly increase flights between the two countries following negotiations as part of the new UK-China Air Service Agreement.

According to Heathrow, this new link with Qingdao, which is most famously the home of Tsingtao Beer, will provide around 70,000 extra seats every year for British passengers and support 4,000 tonnes of new cargo, opening up a significant new UK export link to Shandong province.

Once operational, the new route will mean that the London hub airport will soon offer direct connections to four mainland Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, along with ten further connections from EU aviation hubs.

Heathrow Chief Executive Officer John Holland-Kaye commented: “As the UK’s gateway to the world, we are delighted to welcome Beijing Capital Airlines and the tremendous, previously untapped opportunities of the Qingdao market for British business.

“In the future, the UK’s ability to trade in the world will rely on direct access to new, expanding markets like these. But this is only the start.

“With expansion, Heathrow will provide British exporters access to up to 40 new long-haul destinations across the globe – including more Chinese cities- and send a powerful message that Britain is open for business and our future is stronger as a global, outward looking, trading nation.”

Xu Jun, Chief Executive Officer of Beijing Capital Airlines added: “We are pleased and honoured to have this chance to strengthen the connection between the UK and China. This new route will offer more convenient and comfortable travel service to citizens in both countries than any previous experience flying from Heathrow to Qingdao.”