Manchester Airport passengers sent 'first-ever' message and it starts 'this week'

Manchester Airport has launched its first-ever flights to one of the world’s largest cities. Juneyao Air has announced three flights per week from China's beloved city to Manchester in the first ever connection between the two places.

Juneyao Air currently uses two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for the long-haul routes which take over 11 hours. Cirium chief executive Jeremy Bowen said: “As Cirium data shows, Manchester is one of the most connected cities in the UK for flights, so that is why we welcome the start of the new three-day a week service from Juneyao Air linking Manchester and Shanghai.

“With the start of these new flights, 2024 is projected to see Manchester airport offers more departing seats than before the pandemic and is helping secure its position as one of the most connected airports in the UK.

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“We know this will bring significant economic benefits to the north of England as aviation is a great economic enabler and the more links an airport has, the greater benefits it can convey.” Manchester airport managing director Chris Woodroofe added: “It is so exciting that Juneyao Air has chosen Manchester as its first UK destination.

“Manchester and the north’s links to China go back many years; Manchester’s Chinatown is one of the biggest and oldest in the UK and Liverpool is twinned with Shanghai. This new link will bring huge benefits to the region. It will help the region’s Chinese communities connect with their friends and families and provide new customers and connections for Northern businesses."

Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “This is a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Greater Manchester and China, and we are pleased to welcome the arrival of Juneyao Airlines’ inaugural route from Shanghai to Manchester, offering direct flights three times a week bringing with it a boost to tourism and trade links between our two regions.”