A NON-stop service to Shanghai, China, will be launched by Gulf Air in June, it was announced yesterday. The four-times-a-week service will start on June 16 and operate from Bahrain to take advantage of two-way connectivity to many Gulf and major Middle East and Africa markets, said officials.

The Airbus A340-300, offering first, business and economy class, will be operated on this route.

The service will be later upgraded to daily flights, effective from winter schedule this year.

"Our bookings are very strong for China, which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world" said Gulf Air chief executive Officer Bjorn Naf.

"For Gulf Air, it is strategically important that we launch into this booming market this year.

"Our infrastructure set up in Shanghai is going very well and our team members are working closely with Chinese authorities.

"We are looking at other international destinations to expand our network as part of our strategy to become the airline of choice."

Gulf Air's vice president network Hashim Mahmood said the two-way traffic between the region and China was growing tremendously.

Gulf Air launched a new revamped network in July last year, which offers more than 500 flights per week in the region.

"Our revamped network offers better connection times, which will be an added advantage for Gulf Air customers," said Mr Mahmood.

Shanghai will be the 41st destination for Gulf Air.