Investment Attraction

Hainan Airlines faced a unique challenge in meeting the growing demand for travel between the North of England and China, particularly in light of the increasing interest from both tourists and students. The existing service from Manchester to Beijing, which operated four times a week, was insufficient to accommodate this demand. To address this issue, Hainan Airlines announced the expansion of its service to include daily flights during the summer of 2024, effectively doubling the capacity on this critical route.

The tailored solution involved not only increasing the frequency of flights but also enhancing the overall travel experience by utilizing modern Airbus A330 aircraft, which offer spacious and comfortable seating. This strategic move was designed to facilitate better connectivity for passengers traveling from various regions in the UK, thanks to a partnership with Loganair that allows seamless transfers from cities like Aberdeen and Inverness to Beijing via Manchester.

The results of this initiative are expected to be significant. A previous report indicated that the initial flights had already led to a nearly 100% increase in spending by Chinese tourists in the North, alongside a 9% rise in the number of Chinese students enrolling in local universities—more than double the national average. With the introduction of daily flights, stakeholders anticipate further boosts to the local economy, including a projected increase in trade and tourism, which had previously seen a pre-COVID spend of £260 million. The enhanced connectivity is also expected to support the region's large Chinese student population, fostering cultural exchange and educational opportunities. Overall, this expansion is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening economic ties between the North of England and China, particularly as the region seeks to enhance its global reputation and attract foreign investment.