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Birmingham-Beijing flights launched by 'Shakespeare's airport' Birmingham-Beijing flights launched by 'Shakespeare's airport'
(about 14 hours later)
Charter flights are to be introduced between Beijing and Birmingham this summer, the UK airport has revealed.Charter flights are to be introduced between Beijing and Birmingham this summer, the UK airport has revealed.
Hainan Airlines is to operate two flights a week between 3 July and 28 August, expected to pave the way for a regular service.Hainan Airlines is to operate two flights a week between 3 July and 28 August, expected to pave the way for a regular service.
A trial last year saw three flights between the cities.A trial last year saw three flights between the cities.
Birmingham Airport said it would be branding itself in China as "Shakespeare's airport" and promoting links to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon.Birmingham Airport said it would be branding itself in China as "Shakespeare's airport" and promoting links to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon.
The flights are expected to carry almost 4,000 Chinese tourists to the UK.The flights are expected to carry almost 4,000 Chinese tourists to the UK.
Sally Balcombe, chief executive of Visit Britain, described China as a "huge tourism opportunity". Shakespeare and China
Sally Balcombe, chief executive of Visit Britain, described China as a "huge tourism opportunity" for the country.
The flights between Beijing and Birmingham are expected to "forge links between businesses in both countries", Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said.The flights between Beijing and Birmingham are expected to "forge links between businesses in both countries", Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said.
Birmingham Airport commercial director, Jo Lloyd, said flights to Shanghai and Guangzou were also being planned for the future.Birmingham Airport commercial director, Jo Lloyd, said flights to Shanghai and Guangzou were also being planned for the future.