China Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan), is returning to the UK following a five year hiatus.

It will launch a new non-stop service between London Gatwick and Taipei’s Taoyuan International from Friday, December 1.

The new service will operate four times per week from Gatwick’s South Terminal with a flight time of just over 13 hours aboard China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900.

The aircraft will carry up to 306 passengers with a three class configuration, offering Premium Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

“We’re incredibly excited to be returning to the UK this year, making travel between the UK and Taiwan that much more simple and accessible,” says Roger Han, senior vice president, Europe at China Airlines.

“By offering the only non-stop service between these two countries, we hope to welcome travellers who may not have considered Taiwan as their first outbound destination previously. Furthermore, our route network offers a wonderful array of destinations throughout Asia or onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.”

The route launch marks a first for China Airlines in establishing a base at London Gatwick Airport. The airline previously operated a route between London Heathrow and Taipei, from 2010-2012 and has operated a service to Amsterdam with an onward connection to London via a codeshare with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines since. The launch of this route will mark their return to the UK.

To mark this occasion, special inaugural return fares to Taipei, Australia and New Zealand can be booked through www.china-airlines.com.