Beijing airport confirms direct routes to Dublin and Manchester in the pipeline
To cater for China's increasing number of tourists wanting to visit Ireland and the UK, the General Manager of Beijing airport, Shi Boli, has confirmed that a direct flight route to Dublin and Manchester from Beijing is in the pipeline. &nbsp;The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been pushing for a direct flight for some time, and the 2012 visit by China's now President, Xi Jinping, raised the profile of Ireland in China significantly. &nbsp;Around 40,0000 Chinese tourists visited Ireland last year and Tourism Ireland is hoping to attract 50,000 by 2017. &nbsp;
Dublin Airport may soon be receiving flights from Beijing

The boss of Beijing's international airport has confirmed plans to establish a direct air route between Dublin and the Chinese capital.

But it is likely the air link will not come on stream for another three years.

Shi Boli, the general manager of Beijing's airport, confirmed that the route to Dublin is on his radar, along with an additional direct service to Manchester.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and Ireland's state business and tourism agencies have long been pushing for a direct link from Ireland to China.

The 2012 visit of China's now president, Xi Jinping, significantly raised the profile of Ireland in China. Earlier this year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang came to Ireland for a two-day visit.

A spokesman for the airport said the DAA does not comment on whether or not it is in discussions with specific airlines in relation to potential new services.