Gatwick has secured the UK's first direct flights to the Chinese city of Chongqing. The twice weekly flights will then continue to China's fourth largest city Tianjin.
Starting from June 25th, Chinese carrier Tianjin Airlines will operate an Airbus A330 on the Gatwick-Chongqing-Tianjin route. It is the airline's first long haul flights outside Asia.
The route will depart from Gatwick every Wednesday and Saturday evening at 22:25.
Guy Stephenson, Gatwick's chief commercial officer said: "By flying into two of China's most important economic centres, Gatwick is providing vital direct connections for UK business people into some of the most exciting growth markets on the planet."
He added: "The two new Chinese destinations compliment Gatwick's growing long haul network which now boasts over 50 destinations on four continents."