China Eastern Airlines has upped its services to London for this winter season. This comes as European airlines, including Lufthansa (LH), British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic (VS) pull away from China, citing rising costs and a weakening competitive environment. As Chinese airlines boost their control of the China-Europe market, will European airlines ever be able to return? Gatwick and Heathrow will both benefit Aeroroutes reports that China Eastern plans to increase services to London as of the start of the IATA winter season which begins on October 27, 2024.
The airline will move from seven weekly services to nine on its Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) route. A mix of Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 equipment will operate these. Between October 28 and December 31, A350-operated flights will total 5 weekly.
Regarding services to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), flights will increase from seven to 12 weekly as of October 27. All of them will be operated with the 777-300ER. This also comes as UK airlines, namely VS and BA, begin pulling out of China more and more.
On flights to Shanghai, VS pulled its connection from LHR , which was its only flight to China. The last service is on October 26. In other words, this winter, VS will have completely pulled out of the country.
It cited “ significant challenges and complexities on this route ” contributing to the decision, with difficulties related to the inability to fly throu.
