Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines is to increase capacity on its Manchester-Beijing route by using larger aircraft.
The airline, which is due to launch the service on June 10, has announced that it will now operate an Airbus 330-300, carrying up to 292 passengers, on the route instead of the originally planned Airbus 330-200.
Hainan chairman Xie Haoming said: “We are delighted to be able to increase the capacity on our flights to and from Manchester. It highlights just how committed Hainan Airlines is on making this route a success.”
The airline still plans to operate the Manchester-Beijing route four times per week from June.
Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester airport, added: “It is excellent news that Hainan Airlines is increasing the number of seats on its four flights a week to Beijing.
“This gives the 22 million people in our catchment area more choice and availability on what we believe will be an incredibly popular route.”