Tianjin Airlines made an official announcement on Tuesday on its plan to launch a new flight route from London to Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, come May 2017.

Tianjin Airlines is making strides to keep up with competing airlines. Its recent move is a clear indication that indeed the airline has the potential of expanding further.

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Up until recently, the airline only operated locally with a fleet of Airbus A320s. To embrace its new channel of operation, the launch of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft was necessary.

The Airbus A330-200 will house 18 business class and 242 economy class. The direct flight from London to Xi'an is expected to take 10 hours, and then, the aircraft will then continue to its final destination in Tianjin.

To add to this, the airline, which made its official debut on British soil in June this year, will increase from its two flights per week to three per week next summer.

British general manager for Tianjin Airlines, Robert Chen, expressed the company's joy in its new venture, saying that it will look to move further in the future.

"We're delighted to announce yet more new services for British travelers following the hugely successful launch of our first ever flight from Gatwick to Tianjin and Chongqing in China," said Chen. "Paris will be our next destination, probably next winter."

He further explained that local competition was a great determining factor in the expansion, thereby leading to the need to look for an international market.

Chen is optimistic that the airline would have 50 percent of its client base from international routes within the next five years. Talking about the price tag, he noted that Tianjin Airlines is "always lower than UK airlines." 

Meanwhile, chief commercial officer for Gatwick Guy Stephenson commented on the announcement of the new route.

"Tianjin Airlines now connect Gatwick to three megacities. Our passengers will value the increased frequency of services to China today," he said.

Tagschina, British, Tianjin Airlines, aviation