Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 10:43 pm
Airline’s first ever UK service to China commenced from Gatwick on Saturday
Expanding Chinese carrier Tianjin Airlines is celebrating its first flight from the UK to China which departed from Gatwick on Saturday 25 June 2016.
Tianjin Airlines’ first ever UK route flies from London Gatwick to Chongqing and Tianjin in China. The new service will operate every Wednesday and Saturday on an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 18 business class and 242 economy class seats. The total flight time will be 11.5 hours to Chongqing and 17 hours to Tianjin.
Tianjin Airlines, a subsidiary of HNA Group, currently operates a fleet of over 90 aircraft to more than 100 destinations throughout China from its eight hubs: Tianjin, Xi’an, Hohhot, Urumqi, Haikou, Sanya, Guiyang, and Dalian. The airline offers a quality 4-star onboard service to provide passengers with the best possible start to their trip to China.
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.”
Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport said: “This new route connects the UK to some of China’s most important growth centres and will provide a welcome boost the economy. The flights will encourage stronger links and cement relationships between the two countries, whether people are travelling on business, leisure or are students on exchange.
“The new route also marks an exciting new chapter in Gatwick’s flourishing long haul network. Gatwick is now in the premier league of global airports that offer over 50 long routes and we have more flights to China going live soon.“
Guests on the first and second flights (Saturday 25 June and Wednesday 29 June 2016) bagged an incredible deal with the airline offering a ‘lucky’ promotional fare of just £7 one-way plus taxes. Including all taxes, the £7 promotional one-way fare cost a total of just £206. Return fares were available from £9 plus taxes (£332 including taxes). The special promotional fares were chosen because the number seven traditionally represents harmony for the Chinese and the number nine represents eternal love – symbolising Tianjin Airlines’ love for the UK market.
Following this incredible promotional launch fare, Tianjin Airlines is committed to offering low prices – both one way and return – on both routes throughout the summer.
Tianjin Airlines was awarded ‘Best Regional Airline of the Year’ by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation in 2009, ‘Best Domestic Regional Airline of China’ and ‘World 4-star Airline’ by Skytrax in 2011. Also in 2011, Tianjin Airlines passed the IOSA (IATA Operation Safety Audit) and officially became a member of IATA.
Tianjin Airlines’ fleet consists of 23 A320s, 44 E190s and 20 ERJ145s. The airline will introduce three brand new A330 aircraft to expand into the international market later in 2016.
