Juneyao’s three-times weekly Manchester-Shanghai route becomes the UK’s first direct connection with China’s financial capital at a non-London airport.

MAN said the route would bolster inbound tourism links from China, and serve UK based businesses and travellers heading to the city.

The airport said tourist destinations and businesses throughout its catchment would benefit from typically per person spend by Chinese visitors running to nearly £4,000.

The new route has been welcomed by Windermere Lake Cruises, Marketing Manchester, the Liverpool China Partnership and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

Chris Woodroofe, Manchester airport’s managing director, said Manchester and the wider North East region’s links with China went back many years. "Manchester’s Chinatown is one of the biggest and oldest in the UK, and Liverpool is twinned with Shanghai," he said.

"This new link will bring huge benefits to the region. It will help the region’s Chinese communities connect with friends and families and provide new customers and connections for Northern businesses."

Woodroofe added the route would help showcase the north of England to a new market, bringing visitors to national parks such as the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District.