Leading figures in northern England champion new link to Beijing

Business leaders, universities and tourism chiefs in northern England said Wednesday the new direct flight from Manchester to Beijing would deliver a major boost to the region.

Hainan Airlines are scheduled to start flying four flights every week between Manchester and Beijing from June 10, the first ever direct service from northern England to China's mainland.

A host of business groups, as well as individual companies, believe the new service will be a massive benefit to the region and will unlock new business opportunities for the region.

Currently, more than 100,000 people from northern England fly to China's mainland every year but have to travel indirectly via London or other overseas hubs.

It is estimated the new service will deliver an economic boost to Britain worth 250 million pounds (367 million U.S. dollars) annually.

A large chunk of that will be felt across the northwest, as a result of productivity gains for businesses, the stimulation of trade and investment between the Far East and the region, and from increased tourism, according to Manchester Airport.

Ken O'Toole, CEO of Manchester Airport, said Britons know how important direct access to key markets like China is to stimulating trade and tourism for regions across the north.

"The service will hopefully encourage more businesses to start exporting their goods and services to this key market for the first time, while also being key to unlocking inward investment opportunities,"he said.

Juergen Maier, CEO of Siemens UK and chairman of the North West Business Leadership Team, said: "If we are to export more and develop stronger trade relationships, we need faster access to emerging markets."

Meanwhile, spokespeople from the University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool pointed out it would benefit the large Chinese student population and their families who regularly travel to Manchester. As well, it could grow enrolment numbers further. Endit