BA plans new service to China

The airline will begin thrice-weekly flights between Heathrow and the south-west China city of Chengdu on September 22 2013.

“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,” said Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA’s parent company IAG.

He went on: “I am delighted to announce this new route which demonstrates the importance of mainland China to BA and 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 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.”