Glasgow Airport bosses have landed a new scheduled service linking Scotland with China.

Dutch airline KLM will operate the route to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport via Schiphol in Amsterdam.

The route launches on May 8 and means KLM will be the first airline to offer a service between Hangzhou in the east of China and Europe.

Glasgow already offers a daily service, operated by Emirates, with onward connections to Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

But airport bosses from Glasgow were today delighted at landing a new link to China. A spokesman said: "China and the Far East are important markets for Scottish business, particularly for Scotland's exporters.

It is a region with a huge potential for growth and access to these markets is critical for our own economic success.

"We will watching the demand for these new flights carefully to see if there is any potential for direct links from Scotland to China. If the market suggests there is demand, this is certainly something we will pursue.

" Hangzhou Airport is based on the southern bank of the Qiantang River in the Xiaoshan district, about two and half hours away from Shanghai.

Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, it is described as "one of China's most serene cities", which tourism bosses say is perfect for a relaxing getaway.