First direct cargo flights between China and UK launched

A China Southern 777F touches down in Stansted Airport.[Photo provided to China Daily]

China Southern Cargo launched its first non-stop flights between China and the UK on Saturday, a move expected to boost trade between the two countries.

The airline will fly to London's Stansted airport from China's third largest city, Guangzhou, on a twice weekly basis using a Boeing 777-200 freighter, increasing to three times a week later this year.

Zhao Fengsheng, senior vice-president of China Southern Cargo, said the move was a milestone for the airline.

"We are excited by having the opportunity to deploy our freighter capacity into the UK, in addition to our existing passenger flights. Positive bilateral trade between China and the UK in recent years supports our decision to start this service. It is a significant step for China Southern Cargo to further strengthen our China-Europe operation in support of the "New Silk Road" initiative," Zhao said.

"Sino-UK trade volume is targeted to reach $100 billion this year. Further cooperation and exchange between China and the UK in the fields of science, technology and trade will create additional demand for air transportation".

Zhao believes being the only direct freighter link between China and UK will give a big boost to the local economy, employment and bilateral trade between the two countries.

"Connecting Stansted with our hub in Guangzhou, China Southern is willing to play an active role in business facilitation by providing a variety of cargo products and choices to serve the shipping community in the UK," said Zhao.

Andrew Harrison, managing director of London Stansted Airport, welcomed the news and said it would offer UK businesses direct access to Chinese markets.