Details of the recently-agreed enhancement of the UK-China bilateral air services pact show that London routes are excluded from the 50 extra available frequencies.
The UK government had mentioned that the revised agreement was intended to support expansion from regional airports.
It had given few other details of the deal, which built on the 100 weekly frequencies allowed for airlines from each side, but a freedom of information request confirms the London exclusion from the updated pact.
The new bilateral arrangement came into effect on 3 November.
There are no restrictions on aircraft capacity or all-cargo services, the UK government has confirmed, and airlines designated by China may operate Beijing-Hong Kong-London with up to four weekly frequencies with full traffic and stopover rights.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
