China Eastern Airlines touches down in Brisbane
After a three-year hiatus China Eastern Airlines has returned to Queensland.
The first direct flight from Shanghai to Brisbane has touched down at Brisbane International Airport marking the resumption of three non-stop services per week.
From December 8 through to February 2024, the carrier will also offer daily services for the Chinese New Year peak travel season.
Secured as part of the State Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, the China Eastern services are predicted to deliver 181,014 inbound international seats, generating $314 million for the visitor economy and supporting 1270 good Queensland jobs.
Before the pandemic, Chinese visitors were Queensland’s largest source of international visitors with more than a half a million people travelling to the State from China.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaf said the return of China Eastern back to Brisbane was a landmark day for Queensland’s tourism industry.
“Shanghai is China’s largest city and a commercial hub, making it a key city for business and leisure travel.
“This is big news for Brisbane, the Gold Coast and North Queensland.”
China Eastern Airlines General Manager Oceania Jim Young welcomed the relaunched direct service adding the resumption would boost trade and tourism between Queensland and China.
“Shanghai and Queensland share more than three decades as Sister States,” Mr Young said.
“We recognise the cultural exchange and business opportunities that will flow from this service, allowing expanded trade, tourism, education and more.”
To date, the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has locked in 26 strategic international services, which combined are tipped deliver 1.97 million inbound airline seats, support for nearly 20,000 Queensland jobs and $1.6 billion in annual visitor spending.
Visit the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund page to read more about other services we've secured through the program.