Tianjin Airlines launches UK-China route

Airline's inaugural flight departed London Gatwick Airport on Saturday

Chinese carrier Tianjin Airlines is celebrating the launch of its first flight from the UK to China which departed from Gatwick on Saturday.

The service departs from London Gatwick and travels via Chongqing to Tianjin in China. Flights operate every Wednesday and Saturday using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 18 business class and 242 economy class seats. The total flight time is 11.5 hours to Chongqing and 17 hours to Tianjin.

Tianjin Airlines, a subsidiary of HNA Group, currently operates a fleet of more than 90 aircraft to more than 100 destinations throughout China from its eight hubs: Tianjin, Xi’an, Hohhot, Urumqi, Haikou, Sanya, Guiyang, and Dalian.

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.”

RELATED ITEMSWritten by:Gemma Greenwood