London was the first destination chosen by China Southern Airlines Co Ltd to operate its new Boeing 787 planes, indicating the United Kingdom market's importance for the airline.

The new planes will fly non-stop between London's Heathrow Airport and Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport.

"We value this route highly. Not only is it important for our Guangzhou customers, it's also used frequently by customers traveling to Oceania with connecting flights in Guangzhou," said Hu Wei, chief pilot of China Southern's 787 planes.