A new Chinese airline is hoping to offer European passengers cheap flights to the Far East.

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, a new no-frills airline, is hoping to launch flights between Hong Kong and a number of major European destinations.

The airline plans to fly to Milan, Berlin, London Stansted and Cologne and is hopeful that the first passengers could be flying to the Far East as early as November this year.

Oasis will also provide connecting low-cost flights from Hong Kong to a number of popular tourist and business destinations on the Chinese mainland.

The new service will use the no-frills approach to flying pioneered by European airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair, with bookings conducted online and passengers paying extra for alcohol and entertainments in-flight.

However, given the long flight times involved, with flights from London to Hong Kong taking around 12-13 hours, food will be served free of charge and a full cabin crew will be in attendance during the flight.

At present, there are no direct flights from Hong Kong to Milan, Berlin or Cologne, with passengers having to fly via major airport hubs such as Frankfurt and Rome.

A number of airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, fly from London to Hong Kong as well as to Beijing and Shanghai.

Oasis hopes the route will prove popular with business travellers, overseas Chinese visiting friends and family and tourists looking to explore China.

Hong Kong's vibrant fusion of East and West and its tax-free shopping also make it a popular destination for an exotic city break.

Tickets for the European services are expected to start from £280 return.

Passengers can currently fly with British Airways to Hong Kong for £380 return, including taxes.