China Southern to link London and Wuhan

Wuhan and London are set to benefit from their first direct air link.

That's thanks to news that China Southern Airlines, who currently link Guangzhou and London twice daily, will launch the new route in May.

The first passenger plane on a Guangzhou-London direct flight arrives at London Heathrow International Airport, June 6, 2012. [File photo: Xinhua]

The carrier is also planning to launch a new route, linking Rome with Guangzhou.

Flights to London will be operated by the carrier's Airbus A330 aircraft, whilst those to Rome will be operated by brand new Boeing 787s.

According to specialist publication Travel Weekly, China Southern Airlines UK and Ireland commercial manager Nick Newman said about the London - Wuhan link:

“Adding Wuhan to our portfolio marks another important step in making parts of China beyond just Beijing and Shanghai more accessible and attractive for UK travellers.''

Fares on the thrice-weekly link will start at a very reasonable £377 return, including taxes.

In London, China Southern's new flights will use the main airport of the capital city, Heathrow.

Wuhan is the capital of Central China’s Hubei province, and the city's Tianhe airport serves a wide catchment area of nearby cities and regions.

“The city is rich in history and therefore not only appeals to those with wanderlust but also serves as a strong commercial centre for business travellers.”