Airport City Manchester has welcomed the commencement of non-stop flights to Beijing from Manchester Airport. The route makes Manchester the only UK airport outside London to offer direct flights to the Chinese capital.

The direct links to Beijing will open up opportunities for international trade and cooperation, boosting ongoing investment and growth in the region’s economy. It is estimated that the route could be worth up to £250million to the UK economy over the next decade

Simon Eastwood, managing director at Carillion Developments, said: “Airport City Manchester brings potential for international businesses to locate and collaborate in the UK on a significant scale with huge potential benefits for Greater Manchester and the whole region.

“The commencement of direct flights to Beijing is another positive step forward for the Airport City venture, which is committed to serving the international business community.”

BCEGI director Lau Yew Cheong said: “Companies from around the world have already made Manchester the base for their business. Airport City Manchester is committed to growing the offer for international customers and continuing to attract investment in Greater Manchester. The direct flights to Beijing are yet another asset to the development and the businesses which locate here.”