British Airways announced
a new route to Chengdu in
China, just weeks after starting services to
Seoul in South Korea.
To
celebrate the launch, and reflecting the Chinese belief that eight is
an auspicious number,
flights toChengdu are available from just £508 if booked
between today and
January 6, 2013.
British Airways will
be the only UK carrier to offer a
direct service between Chengdu Shuangliu
International Airport and London Heathrow.
The
thrice-weekly service, which is now on sale, will start on
September 22, 2013. The route will be served by a four-cabin Boeing
777 with First, Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus
(premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).
Willie
Walsh, CEO of IAG, who announced the route in Chengdu today,
said: “I have visited China on many occasions and last year went
to Chengdu to see for myself the progress that has been
made at the airport. It is truly impressive and shows vision and
ambition.
“I
am delighted to announce this new route which demonstrates the
importance of mainland China to British Airwaysand our
commitment to grow our presence here.
“Economic
growth in China is continuing to outstrip that of most other
countries, and Chengdu is not only the capital of Sichuan
Province in the South West of China but one of the country’s
largest cities.
“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.
“China
is also a fascinating venue for leisure travellers, and the region is
famed for its giant pandas, rich culture and excellent cuisine.”
In
Summer 2013, British Airways will also be increasing
frequencies on services from London Heathrow to
Amman, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and
Toronto