British Airways plans to start flights from London Heathrow to Shanghai in China this summer, subject to approval by the Chinese authorities.

The airline’s director of commercial planning Robert Boyle said: “We have flown to both Hong Kong and Beijing for many years and are keen to start services to Shanghai. The city is the powerhouse of the Chinese economy and, as the economy continues to grow, we believe there will be a great demand for our flights.

“Shanghai Pudong airport is due to open a second runway and we are talking to the Chinese authorities about securing take-off and landing slots in Shanghai for our flights. We hope to fly five times a week with a Boeing 777 aircraft.”

British Airways’ Shanghai plans have been boosted by the news that the British and Chinese governments have agreed to changes in travel visa rules which will make it easier for Chinese citizens to visit the UK.

The airline currently flies from London Heathrow to Beijing four times a week with a Boeing 777 aircraft. This will increase to six times per week from June 2005.

British Airways also flies 17 times a week from London Heathrow to Hong Kong with a Boeing 747 aircraft, which will increase to 21 flights a week from June 2005.