The aircraft, which is fitted with 36 business class and 177 economy seats, will make its first flight as part of the service on May 1.

Hainan announced last month that it will boost frequency from Manchester with a fifth weekly flight starting on

June 1.

The route is currently the only direct service to mainland China outside of London.

Loic Gao, UK general manager for Hainan Airlines said: “We are very excited to see our very first Dreamliner landing at Manchester Airport from the 1st of May. Having announced our increased frequency, it makes perfect sense to operate the Manchester route with our flagship aircraft.”

Stephen Turner, commercial director for Manchester Airport, added: “It’s great news that Hainan Airlines will be using their flagship aircraft on the Beijing service. Coupled with the news that they will be increasing frequency, it’s testament to how successful the route has been performing.”