Airport & Airline
Air China welcomes first flight from Beijing to Gatwick on new route
-
-
- Details
- Category: Airport & Airline
- Created on Thursday, 03 May 2012 09:19
Air China welcomes first flight from Beijing to Gatwick on new route
Yesterday was a true milestone for Air China as it welcomed its first flight to London Gatwick Airport from the Chinese capital Beijing.The aircraft touched down on schedule and the Captain was delighted to award the first passenger off the plane with a memento of the flight with their very own Air China aircraft model. Mr Yan Hua, an Air China Platinum Phoenix Miles member said how honoured he felt to be recognised with such an award and how flying from Gatwick will be so much more convenient in the future for his office and the City.
Mr Wu Xiao Ming - General Manager UK & Ireland for Air China said: "This is a true milestone for Air China and an ideal opportunity for the company to respond to the ever increasing demand to China and beyond"
Mr Malcolm Day - Sales & Marketing Manager UK & Ireland for Air China said: "Adding London Gatwick to our UK network now gives passengers a real choice of departure points within the South-East. London Gatwick is well placed for us for passengers to connect to Central London as well as the City with an efficient and seamless train service"
Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome Air China and its first passengers to Gatwick today as we seek to enhance our role in becoming the gateway to Asia.
“Broadening trade links with fast-growing developing markets is a priority for the UK, but in order to achieve this, London needs to retain its status as one of the best connected cities in the world.
“Gatwick not only has the capacity to grow to serve 40 million passengers by 2020 but also has the ability to serve London just as effectively as Heathrow - and do so for less than half the cost. This in turn is helping strengthen Britain’s connectivity into the rapidly growing economies of the world, such as China. Air China’s decision to expand this route from Gatwick sends a strong message that Gatwick is competing.”
The occasion was marked by Lion Dancing in the North Terminal. The Lion danced throughout terminal in true Chinese tradition to spread good luck and fortune to all.
Air China already flies daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Beijing in around 10 hours. With the addition of the four non-stop flights from Gatwick to Beijing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday departing at 1315, Air China will be increasing its London-Beijing capacity by over 50%. Gatwick flights will be served by the a state-of-the-art Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
