BA to fly to Chengdu
British Airways has announced plans to launch a new direct service to the Chinese city of Chengdu.
Commencing 22 September 2013, the UK’s national carrier will operate three weekly flights from London Heathrow to the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province, using a four-cabin Boeing 777-200 aircraft with first, business, premium economy and economy class cabins.
Willie Walsh, CEO of BA’s parent company IAG, said he was impressed by “vision and ambition” being shown in the fast-expanding city of Chengdu.
“Since 1990, Chengdu’s economy has expanded rapidly, consistently delivering double-digit rates of growth. We are confident that the new route between Chengdu and London will prove popular with customers travelling between the two major economic hubs,” said Walsh. “China is also a fascinating venue for leisure travellers, and the region is famed for its giant pandas, rich culture and excellent cuisine.”
Li Wei, chairman of the Sichuan Province Airport Group, added that the first direct link between Chengdu and London would enhance “Sichuan’s economic and cultural ties with the United Kingdom”.
BA currently offers 13 weekly flights to two mainland Chinese hubs – Beijing and Shanghai. Tickets for the Chengdu flights go on sale today (19 December 2012).