Juneyao has chosen Manchester for its first UK service, and will operate the route using a two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Manchester airport said the route would open up China’s largest city and foremost financial hub to businesses and tourists in the north west.

The route will initially operate via Helsinki, flying on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Services will arrive into Manchester at 8.30am and depart again for Shanghai at 10am.

Andrew Cowan, Manchester airport chief executive, said the route would unlock “significant trade, cultural and knowledge exchange opportunities”.

He added the move by Juneyao recognised what the north of England has to offer in terms of its business base, natural and cultural assets, and world-leading universities.

Juneyao chairman Wang Junjin added: “We look forward to developing Manchester’s traffic growth in the coming years.

“This route will further promote Greater Manchester’s tourism, as well giving Britain an opportunity to boost its trade and investment links to China.”