UK minister for international trade, Greg Hands, and the UK trade envoy to Taiwan, Lord Faulkner, have attended the launch of a new link from the UK to Taipei.

The majority of UK airfreight is exported in the hold of long haul passenger aircraft and this four times a week China Airlines service will provide both UK and Taiwanese businesses with the fastest access to both markets, in addition to carrying business and leisure passengers.

The China Airlines service is the latest in Gatwick’s flourishing 60-plus strong network – the world’s largest for a single runway airport – and one that will soon be followed by new services to Buenos Aires, Chicago and Austin in the New Year.

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer, Gatwick Airport, said: “We welcome China Airlines to Gatwick for the launch of this new service that will provide a vital link between the UK and Taiwan at a critical time in our economic history.

“The new route will boost trade between our two enterprising economies and help our businesses to get goods to market as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

According to the UK government, approximately 300 UK companies have operations in Taiwan, largely in financial and business services, ICT, telecommunications, infrastructure, environmental technology, creative industries and marine industries.

At the same time, around 180 Taiwanese companies are currently based in the UK.

Hands said: “This renewed direct flight between London and Taipei is another vote of confidence in the British economy, and the growing trade links between the UK and Taiwan.

“I know well the huge opportunities Taiwan’s vibrant economy presents to British businesses and this flight will make it even easier for firms looking to satisfy the growing Taiwanese demand for quality British goods and services.”