Over the last few months, airlines in China have been battling to operate Manchester-Shanghai flights amid the country’s dispensation rules.
However, there appears to be a breakthrough, in what will be a major benefit for the UK airport.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Juneyao Air vs. China Eastern Airlines…
Juneyao Air and China Eastern Airlines have been the two airlines battling it out to secure Manchester-Shanghai flights.
As per current dispensation rules by the CAAC, only one Chinese carrier can operate a specific route.
There are certain exceptions made, of course, which we will mention later in the article.
As per @SPD_Travels on X, it has been reported that Juneyao Air has won the battle against China Eastern Airlines.
It is understood that flights between Manchester and Shanghai will begin on July 3.
Looking like operations with their Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, these flights will operate on a thrice-weekly basis.
This represents another big boost to the UK airport.
China has become a big market for the airport.
This Summer, there looks to be a minimum of 15 weekly non-stop flights to China from Manchester Airport.
Special Permissions on the Way?
As the handle on X mentions after the Juneyao Air confirmation from Manchester to Shanghai, more could happen from this.
Airlines in China have been given special permissions to operate side-by-side to the same destinations.
Brussels, London Gatwick and Frankfurt am Main International Airport all benefit from this.
If the same exceptions are given by the CAAC, then this could pave the way for China Eastern Airlines announcing flights.
Furthermore, if this was given, then this could open the floodgates to Chinese carriers operating flights.
Could The Same Happen to the Beijing-Manchester Route?
Adding to this, there is also one aspect that needs to be mentioned, and that is the existing Manchester-Beijing flights.
Hainan Airlines currently reserves the rights to operate these flights at the moment.
Such a route has been producing strong successes, to the point that the airline boosted flights to daily months ago.
Furthermore, there has been another airline in the mix that has been sniffing around to operate these flights.
Air China is another airline that has been looking into the Manchester-Beijing route.
Recently, it has been unveiled that subject to final confirmation, they will be running twice weekly flights through their cargo arm.
However, they have been an airline that has expressed interest for passenger flights over the last 12 months.
If the same special dispensation is given to the Shanghai flights, then there is the possibility Air China will do the same on the passenger front.
Overall…
In conclusion, the general feeling within Manchester is that the positive-based floodgates are opening up.
If the CAAC gives special permission on the dispensation rules, then this will be an incredible feat for the airport.
With new Shanghai flights appearing to be on the way, then this is strong news for what is a strong Chinese market for them.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on whether we will see competition not just on the Shanghai route, but also on the Beijing route in the future.
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