China's Hainan Airlines plans to commence direct flights between Brussels and Shanghai Pudong next year.

The carrier previously operated the route between May 2010 and December 2011 for the World Expo in Shanghai, however, the new service will be permanent.

The new service was announced during an official visit by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel that led to the airline and airport signing a letter of intent, reported London's Air Cargo News.

Details about the service frequency, schedule, aircraft to operate the route, and launch date will be announced over the next few weeks, Hainan Airlines said.

Brussels Airport chief executive Arnaud Feist was cited as saying that one attraction for Hainan was the extensive network between Brussels and other European destinations and Africa.

The carrier's lead executive, Sun Jianfeng, added: "In recent years, Shanghai has become a particularly attractive investment destination due to its significantly improved market position and a flourishing local market."

Source:Shipping Online.cn