This summer, Air China launched the UK’s only non-stop service between the UK and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province from Gatwick – the airport’s 67th long-haul route.

Three flights a week will connect the UK with China’s fourth biggest city, home to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding where visitors can view endangered giant pandas.

The service departs Gatwick on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10.00pm and arrives at Chengdu at 3:40pm the following day where passengers have 50 onward domestic connections available.
Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer at Gatwick, said: “UK visitors now have a fast, direct route to Chengdu, one of China’s most culturally significant destinations and one that attracts millions of tourists. Our growing long-haul network looks set to play an increasingly important role.”

Chen Hongbing, general manager UK and Ireland, Air China, added: “Air China has always been committed to providing convenient, high-quality services to global travellers and has become a link between China and the world. I welcome all passengers onto this new flight.”