SCOTTISH businesses could benefit from the country’s first ever scheduled flights to China, the UK Government claims.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced an agreement with China allowing up to 50 per cent more flights to the country from the UK, with the new services ring-fenced for hubs outwith London.
Grayling’s team says Edinburgh and Glasgow airports may benefit, opening up new markets for business and creating further tourism opportunities in a move potentially worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
The change will see the current maximum of 100 passenger flights per week increase to 150.
Both airports have previously expressed interest in linking with China and Grayling said: “Scotland is known around the globe for the quality of its produce, not least its world-famous whisky.
“This deal could provide more opportunities for Scottish exporters to trade with a hugely important market.
“I also want to see more people from around the world enjoying the natural beauty of Scotland and all the other tourist attractions the country offers.
“This agreement shows our relationship with China is going from strength to strength and points to a bright future for the UK after Brexit. I hope Scotland takes advantage by delivering its first direct route to China.”
Last year, 41,000 visits were made from China to Scotland, with a total of £36 million being spent by those visiting the country.
Chinese tourists are some of the UK’s highest spenders, staying longer and travelling more than visitors from other countries.
The value of exports to China has continued to grow in recent years, with £2.5 billion worth of goods exported from Scotland to China in the year ending September 2017. The Scotch Whisky Association reported sales have increased by 45 per cent in the first half of this year.
Last year, Manchester Airport launched the first direct regional flight between the two countries, worth an estimated £250m in economic benefits to the UK over the next decade. Restrictions were also relaxed to allow an unlimited number of cargo flights to operate between the destinations.
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