Tianjin Airlines expands in London as widebody fleet grows

Chinese carrier Tianjin Airlines is to introduce two additional Airbus A330-200s into its fleet this month as it accelerates its long-haul growth. The two aircraft will facilitate the launch of flights from Tianjin to Auckland, New Zealand, via Chongqing from December 21, 2016 and will also be used on the carrier’s existing Tianjin – Chongqing – London operation, launched in June 2016.

Speaking to Routesonline on the sidelines of the World Travel Market in London this week, Robert Chen, UK general manager for Tianjin Airlines confirmed that while the aircraft has the same 18 Business Class and 242 Economy seats of its existing A330-200, it will offer a better in-flight experience for customers with enhanced in-flight entertainment. “We expect the aircraft to enter our scheduled network from around December 10, 2016,” he confirmed.

The airline has seen robust traffic levels since it debuted in the London market with its twice weekly Tianjin – Chongqing – London Gatwick operation earlier this year, with “very strong loads of around 85%,” according to Chen, although he acknowledged that winter flying was already “proving a challenge” but it is working to rectify this with strong marketing and air fare promotions.

Richard Maslen - Editor, Routesonline