Press Release

• Air China to operate non-stop services from Gatwick to Beijing from next May
• Gatwick helping UK to become better connected to the BRIC nations
• Gatwick continues to win new airlines servicing long-haul routes to Asia    

Gatwick Airport announced today that Air China – the most profitable airline in the world, as well as the world’s largest carrier by market value  – will launch non-stop, four weekly services to Beijing from the UK’s second largest airport. The airline will operate the route out of Gatwick’s newly renovated North Terminal beginning 2 May 2012.

The arrival of Air China to Gatwick will give the 15 million people who live within one hour’s journey time to the airport more travel options, both for businesses looking to explore opportunities in the world’s second largest economy and for holiday makers attracted to cities with rich historical backgrounds.

Services will depart Gatwick at 1315 and arrive at Beijing airport at 0625 local time the following day, while return journeys will leave at 0135 and touch down at Gatwick at approximately 0550 the same day.

The Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be operated from Gatwick, providing a choice of 223 seats in economy class, and 28 in Business class.

Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer says: “We are very excited that Air China has chosen to grow its London-Beijing route from Gatwick. China is the world’s fastest growing major economy, and the second largest economy behind the United States.  For the UK, broadening its trade links with the fast-growing developing markets typified by China is a priority but in order to achieve this, London and the South East needs to retain its status as one of the best connected cities in the world.

“Gatwick currently has capacity to grow and can accommodate more flights thereby helping strengthen Britain’s connectivity into the rapidly growing economies of the world, such as China. What’s more, Air China’s decision to expand this route from Gatwick sends a strong message that airlines can serve London as effectively from Gatwick as Heathrow – and do so for less than half the cost.”

Mr Wu, Air China General Manager UK & Ireland says: “Air China is committed in growing its services from China to the UK and the addition of London Gatwick to our UK operation will help absorb the solid and sustained growth for the foreseeable future for both passengers and cargo alike.”
 
Malcolm Day – Air China Sales and Marketing Manager UK & Ireland says: “This is extremely welcome news and I am sure that the travel trade and customers alike will be pleased to hear that our operation at London Gatwick will give the ability to absorb the already very high demand for our services from the UK to China and beyond.”

Under new ownership, Gatwick is targeting long-haul routes to better connect the UK with emerging markets of the world.  AirAsia X have recently switched their London home to Gatwick from Stansted, enabling passengers to fly direct to Kuala Lumpur and connect onto AirAsia's extensive route network across South East Asia. 

On December 9th 2011, Vietnam Airlines will launch, for the first time ever, direct flights from the UK via Gatwick to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, helping to make Gatwick the new Asian gateway for London.

Gatwick also recently announced that Hong Kong airlines will be launching all-premium flights to Hong Kong next March.

Notes to editors

• Air China was the most profitable airline in 2010 with a net profit of $1.8 billion as well as being the most valuable by capital value at $18 billion, with Singapore Airlines at $15 billion and Lufthansa at $11 billion
• Air China flies from UK to China in around 10 hours
• Whilst Air China is selling off older airplanes, they are investing heavily in a modern fleet and it was quoted by Chairman Mr Kong Dong some six months ago that the Air China group plans to have 700 airplanes in its fleet by the end of 2015
• Air China have 15 x B787-900 on order which are super efficient in terms of fuel burn and they have a minimal noise footprint
• This will create greater fuel efficiency as well as keeping carbon emissions to a minimum
• Air China is making great efforts to reduce its carbon emissions by investing and carrying out a lot of research with the oil companies on alternative fuels.

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GATWICK AIRPORT PRESS OFFICE
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