BA plans Shanghai route
Tuesday, 25 Jan 2005 17:16
BA wants to fly to Shanghai five times a week
British Airways is hoping to launch a new route between London Heathrow and Shanghai, China, this summer.
The airline, which currently operates flights from Heathrow to Beijing four times a week, and to Hong Kong 17 times a week, believes that the growing Chinese economy will increase demand for flights.
It is already adding two extra flights a week to Beijing and four extra flights a week to Hong Kong to its schedule in June 2005, to capitalise on a recent change in visa rules that makes it easier for Chinese citizens to visit the UK.
BA hopes to fly five times a week to Shanghai Pudong airport, but this is dependant on approval by the Chinese authorities.
The airline's Robert Boyle said: "We have flown to both Hong Kong and Beijing for many years and are keen to start services to Shanghai. The city is the powerhouse of the Chinese economy and, as the economy continues to grow, we believe there will be a great demand for our flights."
Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern already operate flights from London Heathrow to Shangia Pudong.