New Xiamen-London air route strengthens China-UK ties

A new direct flight has opened up linking Xiamen in southeast China and London's Heathrow airport, creating the first non-stop passenger connection between Britain and China’s Fujian province.

Operated by Xiamen Airlines, using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the service will run three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Its early-morning arrival at Heathrow is intended to give passengers much of their first day in the British capital.

Passengers on the inaugural flight welcomed the new connection.

"Before, flying to London meant having to transit through Hong Kong or Turkey, which wasn't very convenient," one passenger said.

Heathrow Airport has expanded from having just three direct routes to China to fourteen.

Spencer Adaway, Heathrow's Director of Operational Delivery and Airline Relationships, says  the new route reflects the importance of the economic and cultural links between the two countries.

"The launch of this service strengthens those connections between the United Kingdom and China and opens a new gateway between London and Fujian Province," he said.

"It marks an important milestone in XiamenAir's efforts to strengthen its route network and enhance its international operations, while serving as a strong platform for deepening cooperation between China and the UK," said Zheng Congming, Chief Economist at Xiamen Airlines.

British Tourist Authority, VisitBritain, forecasts more than 590,000 visits to the UK from China this year, generating an estimated $1.5 billion for the British economy.

Its research also suggests that people who visit Britain are then 12% more likely to invest in the country.

Suzy Faulkner, Deputy Director of Commercial and Partnerships at VisitBritain, said convenient flights are one factor that can influence travellers when they are choosing an international destination.

"This new service will make it easier for visitors from Fujian and the wider region to experience everything Britain has to offer," she said.

Xiamen was historically an important international trading port, with tea, porcelain and other goods from Fujian travelling towards markets in Europe, including Britain.

Centuries later, this direct flight creates a new link between Xiamen and London.