New direct routes connect Shanghai to Manchester and Brussels

Shanghai will have its first regular direct flight to Manchester, UK, with services scheduled to commence on July 3. This new air route, operated by Chinese private carrier Juneyao Airlines, aims to bolster the company's business strategy of going global and provide easier travel between the two cities.

The airliner also announced on Friday it will have a new direct flight to Brussels, Belgium starting July 1. It is also the first time the air company will march into the traditional flight market in west Europe.

According to the plan, the direct flights will initially operate three times a week, with the Shanghai Pudong-Brussels route every Monday, Friday and Sunday. The Shanghai Pudong-Manchester route will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

With the two new direct flights, Juneyao Airlines will have six intercontinental routes reaching five European countries including Finland, the UK, Belgium, Italy and Greece.