China’s biggest airline has resumed its flights into Brisbane
China Southern airlines touched down in Brisbane on the weekend for the first time since the pandemic.
The full, non-stop flight from Guangzhou also included the first two organised tour groups to return to Queensland since the Chinese Government relaxed pandemic restrictions on group travel.
The airline will fly direct to Brisbane four times a week increasing to daily flights during December 2023 to February 2024 for the peak holiday period and Chinese New Year travel season.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf said the return of China Southern Airlines was reason to celebrate.
“This supercharges the inbound Chinese tourism market, creating good jobs right here in Queensland,” he said.
“Not only do we celebrate the return of China Southern Airlines, but the very first direct group arrivals into Queensland since the pandemic.
“It is the group travel market and their itineraries that will deliver large numbers of tourism from China into this state’s regions including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and of course the Great Barrier Reef is a huge magnet.”
Secured as part of the State Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, the service is expected over the next three years to provide capacity of up to 277,896 inbound international seats, generating approximately $440 million for the visitor economy and supporting 1,790 Queensland jobs.
China Southern Airlines Regional General Manager Australia and NZ, Jason Sun said the return of flights to Brisbane was an exciting moment.
“Today is a testament to the valuable support provided by the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport,” he said.
“Through strong collaboration, China Southern Airlines aims to further expand the ‘Canton Route’ and contribute to the influx of tourists from China as well as business and leisure travelers from other parts of the globe to Queensland.”
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.
Visit the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund page to read more about other services we've secured.