Hainan Airlines will operate a twice-weekly service linking the Scottish and Chinese capitals. Flights will get under way on 26 June running through to 8 October.

Hainan will operate the route on Mondays and Fridays, with flights departing Edinburgh at midday, arriving into Beijing Capital International airport at 5.10am (+1). Returns will depart Beijing at 2.40am, arriving into Edinburgh at 6.30am.

Edinburgh airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said the development was "further evidence" of the airport’s "strong recovery" from the pandemic. "This service will be the only one operating between Scotland and China when it is introduced, and is a real show of faith in the market by Hainan Airlines," he said.

Dewar added the route would boost Scotland’s universities and tourism industry, open up new business opportunities and increase the city’s global connectivity.

Scotland’s transport minister Kevin Stewart hailed the service "an important development for both Edinburgh and Scotland’s international connectivity".

"This direct connectivity is great news for people and businesses in both Scotland and China, building strong links for business and exports, as well as making it easier for visitors and students to come and experience Scotland."