China's Hainan Airways is to add a fifth weekly direct flight between Beijing and Manchester from June, it was announced Tuesday.

It follows the success of the airline's four-times-a-week service to Beijing, the only scheduled direct link to the Chinese capital outside of London. The new flight will operate from June 1, said a joint statement issued in Manchester by Manchester Airport and Hainan Airways.

The statement added the service will potentially see Hainan Airlines new Dreamliners operating on the Manchester direct route into Beijing, depending on aircraft availability.

Loic Gao, Hainan Airlines UK General Manager said "This added frequency shows Hainan Airlines commitment to the UK market and it responds to the increased demand for this route from Manchester Airport."

Gao also affirmed the success of the Beijing-Manchester route.

"This has been a successful route for Hainan Airlines since its inaugural flight on the 10th of June 2016, and as we approach our 1st year anniversary, an increased frequency is a wonderful way of celebrating such success," said Gao.

Stephen Turner, Commercial Director at Manchester Airport, said "In less than a year of operation, the route proves to be incredibly popular with leisure and business passengers alike. I am sure the extra service will be welcomed by the 22m passengers in our catchment area that spans north to Scotland and south to the Midlands."

By adding an extra weekly flight, Hainan Airlines opens even more opportunities for the only direct flight into Chinese mainland outside of London.