I WAS lucky enough to be one of 15 travel agents from around the country invited on the inaugural flight of the new Hainan airlines direct flight from Manchester to Beijing on Friday, June 10

The new service represents several hard years of negotiations between UK and Chinese diplomats with formal approval given last year for the new service between these great cities boosting trade and jobs.

The new service will benefit the 100,000 passengers who fly between the two cities annually including business people, students and tourists by offering a non stop flight on a new Airbus a 330 - 300 aircraft seating 32 business and 268 economy passengers.

There was lots of interest shown at the airport with speeches from both local councillors and members of the Hainan Airlines executives and Manchester Airport directors including Charlie Cornish CEO of MAGgroup.

There were dragons, a stilt walker, Chinese dancers all adding to a carnival atmosphere.

In Beijing the 15 agents, including myself, were treated royally with a VIP welcome at the airport and a welcome dinner.

Ken Garrity,

Ken Garrity Travel,

Altrincham