Hainan Airlines plans to increase its Manchester Airport frequency from four flights per week to five from June.

This added service will potentially see Hainan Airlines new Dreamliners operating this direct route into Beijing, depending on aircraft availability.

Loic Gao, Hainan Airlines UK general manager, said: “This added frequency shows Hainan Airlines commitment to the UK market and it responds to the increased demand for this route from Manchester Airport.

“This has been a successful route for Hainan Airlines since its inaugural flight in June 2016, and as we approach our first year anniversary, an increased frequency is a wonderful way of celebrating such success.”

By adding an extra weekly flight, Hainan Airlines opens even more opportunities for the only direct flight into mainland China outside of London, but also it enables both business and leisure passengers to easily access more connections from its Beijing hub further into other cities in China as well as further connections to other international airports.

Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester Airport, said: “It is incredibly pleasing to see Hainan Airlines increase frequency from Manchester Airport.

“In less than a year of operation, the route proves to be incredibly popular with leisure and business passengers alike.

“I am sure the extra service will be welcomed by the 22 million passengers in our catchment area that spans north to Scotland and south to the Midlands.”

Manchester Airport with more than 26 million passengers has over 210 destinations served by more than 70 airlines.

With a catchment area spanning as north as Scotland, south to the West Midlands, west to Wales and east to Yorkshire, it continues to add passengers and international routes.