China Airlines launched a new link from Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) to London Gatwick (LGW) on 1 December

The Taiwanese flag carrier will operate the 9,786-kilometre route four times per week with A350-900s and faces no direct competition. It will increase frequency on the service to five flights per week in March 2018. “As the only non-stop service between the two countries, we want to highlight to travellers the benefits to travelling to Taipei, for business or leisure purposes,” said Nuan-Hsuan Ho, Chairman of China Airlines. “In addition, our extensive route network offers destinations throughout Asia and onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.” Guy Stephenson, CCO of London Gatwick said: “We welcome China Airlines to Gatwick for the launch of this new service that will provide a vital link between the UK and Taiwan at a critical time in our economic history. The new route will boost trade between our two enterprising economies and help our businesses to get goods to market as quickly and efficiently as possible.The airport is increasingly connecting the UK to more and more long haul destinations across the globe and our 60+ long-haul network now includes destinations in China, the Far East, Africa, South America and across the US.” China Airlines last served the UK capital from Taoyuan in 2012, when it operated into London Heathrow.

Aenna