Direct Flights from Dublin to Beijing Set for June 2018

Dublin Chamber has praised the news that Chinese airline Hainan Airlines is to start direct flights from Dublin to Beijing from June 2018. The new service will run year-round.

The Chamber said that June will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for Irish/Asian business links, with Cathay Pacific also set to launch direct flights between Dublin and Hong Kong. The business group also stated that it is seeing strong interest from Asian firms seeking to explore business opportunities in Ireland, with a major increase in the number of delegations from China over the past 18 months.

According to Dublin Chamber CEO, Mary Rose Burke: “The opening of a first direct route to China is excellent news for Irish business. In a world of increasing uncertainty, it is vital that companies diversify markets and seek to minimise risks. As we await clarity on how Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will play out, it is important for companies to consider opportunities in new markets.

“Huge opportunities exist in Asia for Irish firms. These flights also show the value and potential that the Chinese see in the Irish market. With direct flights now in place between China and Hong Kong, a huge opportunity exists to drive two-way trade and investment links in the areas of fintech, education, technology, tourism and food and beverages.”