Expanding Chinese carrier Tianjin Airlines is celebrating its first flight from the UK to China which departed from Gatwick on Saturday 25 June 2016. Tianjin Airlines' first ever UK route flies from London Gatwick to Chongqing and Tianjin in China. The new service will operate every Wednesday and Saturday on an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 18 business class and 242 economy class seats. The total flight time will be 11.5 hours to Chongqing and 17 hours to Tianjin.
Jointly established by Tianjin Government and HNA Group, Tianjin Airlines is the youngest 4-star airline in the global civil aviation industry. Through its extensive route network across China and neighbouring countries, Tianjin Airlines also serves destinations including: Shanghai, Dalian, Haikou, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Chifeng, Ningbo, Xiamen, Wenzhou, Ordos, Jinan, Wenzhou, Harbin, Taiyuan, Nanchang, Yantai, Haikou, Sanya, and Changchun.
Mr Robert Chen, UK General Manager for Tianjin Airlines, said: “We are thrilled that our first ever flights from London to China have now launched. We're proud to be helping British passengers to explore the relatively unknown destinations of Tianjin and Chongqing in China. As well as falling in love with our beautiful country – which we're sure they will – we hope British travellers enjoy Tianjin Airlines' high quality service and unbeatable price. We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.”
Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport said: “This new route connects the UK to some of China's most important growth centres and will provide a welcome boost the economy. The flights will encourage stronger links and cement relationships between the two countries, whether people are travelling on business, leisure or are students on exchange.
“The new route also marks an exciting new chapter in Gatwick's flourishing long haul network. Gatwick is now in the premier league of global airports that offer over 50 long routes and we have more flights to China going live soon.“
