China's Air China has increased the frequency of flights to the UK by adding a direct route between Beijing's Shoudou International Airport and London's Gatwick Airport.

A ceremony to launch the air route was held at Gatwick Airport on Saturday. Flight CA851/2 will operate once a day.

Jonathan Pollard, commercial director of Gatwick Airport, which is the second largest airport in Britain, said the increase in the number of flights on the London -- Beijing route will promote exchanges and cooperation between Britain and China in the fields of trade and tourism, Xinhua Correspondent Jonathan Pollard told Xinhua.

“I believe today's new service is indicative of the growth we are seeing in the UK and Chinese markets,” he added.

According to an Air China press release given to Xinhua on Sunday, nearly 250 passengers took a direct flight to Beijing the day before. Many of them were on their first trip to China since the pandemic to visit relatives, vacation or for business purposes.