- British Airways marks 20 years of connecting Shanghai and London since its inaugural flight in 2005
- To celebrate the milestone, the airline announces that customers can now redeem as well as collect the airlines’ respective frequent flyer currencies through its joint business partnership with China Southern Airlines, providing elevated benefits for customers
- The airline continues to operate daily flights from Shanghai on its 787-9 fleet, elevating connectivity between Europe, Asia, and further afield for Chinese customers
Shanghai, 10 July 2025 - British Airways is proudly celebrating 20 years of flying between Shanghai Pudong and London Heathrow, having connected the two global hubs across two continents since 2005.
To commemorate the anniversary, the airline hosted a celebration event with its long-standing partners and colleagues to showcase its continued commitment to the region.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating two decades of connecting Shanghai and London, which reaffirms our long-standing commitment to the region. This historic milestone is not just about celebrating our flight network, it has also connected communities, expanded business opportunities, and deepened cultural ties between two key cities over the years.
“This anniversary wouldn’t be possible without our brilliant colleagues who have played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy we celebrate today, and we look forward to building on that bond by welcoming new and existing customers on board our flights in the future.”
Alan Tay, who operated British Airways’ inaugural flight as a cabin crew member in 2005, and now the airline’s Digital Sales Account Manager based in Singapore, joined the celebrations and said: “Operating the inaugural flight to Shanghai 20 years ago was of the biggest highlights of my career. As one of the first internationally based Chinese-speaking crew members, my role wasn’t just about translation - we were cultural ambassadors, building bridges between East and West.
“Returning to Shanghai Airport after two decades is surreal. The city has transformed, but the sense of connection remains unchanged, and I’m proud to have played a part in this significant chapter at British Airways.”
Stella Shen, the airline’s Shanghai Airport Manager, also added: “It’s an honour to continue what our previous airport managers and the team started 20 years ago. Seeing how far British Airways has come in Shanghai gives me great confidence and pride in what we can achieve in the years ahead.”
To celebrate this milestone, British Airways has announced elevated benefits for customers as parts of the airline’s joint business partnership with China Southern Airlines. Frequent flyers can now redeem as well as collect the airlines’ respective frequent flyer currencies across both networks, making travel more accessible between Asia and Europe.
The joint business partnership means customers can choose from 28 non-stop flights a week between the UK and Mainland China during its current summer schedule, connecting London with five key Chinese cities. Customers can enjoy a range of benefits, including a wider choice of flights, competitive fares and booking their journey as one single ticket. The partnership also provides smoother connections for onward travel within China and the UK.
British Airways currently operates daily flights from Shanghai on its 787-9 fleet, and Hong Kong on its A350 fleet which features the airline’s latest Club Suite (long-haul business class). British Airways continues to roll-out initiatives across the customer experience as part of its £7bn transformation plan.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
British Airways’ milestones in China
20 March 1946 – A BOAC Hythe flying boat (G-AGJM) visited Shanghai on a proving flight and after a night stop, continued to Yokohama.
12 November 1980 – British Airways commenced weekly passenger flights between London and Beijing via Hong Kong on its Boeing 747 aircraft. The inaugural flight carried medical data from experts at London Zoo about a rare disease affecting giant pandas, to be shared with counterparts at Beijing Zoo.
October 1986 – Her Majesty The Queen departed on her first state visit to China aboard a British Airways Lockheed TriStar.
October 1995 – British Airways’ Concorde made its historic visit to China from 9 to 12 October 1995, marking the supersonic aircraft’s first-ever visit to the country.
16 September 2004 – BAWC (British Airways World Cargo) began a twice-weekly, all-cargo Boeing 747-400F service from Stansted. The inaugural flight carried a full load of 120 tonnes of freight.
2 June 2005 – British Airways’ inaugural direct passenger flight landed in Shanghai, marking the start of a five-times-weekly Boeing 777 service from London Heathrow.
31 March 2013 – British Airways increased its Shanghai service to daily from London Heathrow.
April 2022 – British Airways resumed flights to Shanghai following the suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
British Airways and China Southern Joint Business partnership (CJB):
Frequent flyer benefits include elevated opportunities to earn and redeem points. Members of British Airways’ The Club and China Southern's Sky Pearl Club can collect and use Avios/miles when travelling across the CJB network. Benefits include:
- The British Airways Club Members can earn and redeem Avios on all China Southern flights, and China Southern Sky Pearl Club members can earn and redeem miles on British Airways flights.
- Customers can mix and match between both airlines and book through one easy transaction, the best options for them to suit their budget and preferences.
- A wider choice of flights serving UK and Chinese destinations and an attractive range of fares.
- Smoother connections for onward flights between China and UK.
