News
China and UK raise cap on flights by 50%
December 15th 2017
Mainland China and the UK have raised the cap on the number of flights permitted between the two countries by 50%, to 150 a week. Read More » The UK Department for Transport said it agreed to the capacity increase to allow for more routes from regional airports to China, which would boost local economies and open up more business and tourism opportunities. However, the China Daily reported this week that only 60 of the flights have been taken up.
In the past 18 months, Chinese carriers have launched several direct services between UK cities and the Mainland, including flights from Birmingham and Manchester. It is almost impossible to add routes from London’s Heathrow Airport, given its capacity constraints, unless airlines pay a heavy premium to buy slots from other airlines.
“These agreements are an important part of preparing Britain for a post-Brexit world and making sure we have access to key markets in the Far East. They come at a time when our exports are growing and we continue to attract international investment,” said UK transport secretary, Chris Grayling.
The last time the cap was raised was in October 2016 when it was increased from 40 to 100 flights a week. In the same year, authorities announced it would allow unlimited cargo flights between the Mainland and the UK.
At 30%, Air China accounts for the largest seat capacity between the two countries, followed by British Airways (21%) and China Southern Airlines (12.5%).
Guangzhou’s China Southern will expand its network in the UK and continental Europe. Speaking on the side lines of the Fortune Global Forum in the Guangdong capital, the airline’s president, Tan Wangeng, said: “Right now, the information is that the whole European economy is recovering. We like to hear that and we expect that market to recover.”
