China Southern Airlines is set to resume flights between Perth and Guangzhou starting November 28, 2024. According to a statement from the Western Australian government, the airline will operate three flights per week, adding 41,000 inbound seats annually to Western Australia. This will be the first continuous non-stop service between mainland China and Western Australia since the pandemic forced the cessation of such routes.
By J Prakash
The airline had previously operated this route from 2011 until the pandemic, attracting 33,000 visitors to Western Australia in 2019. Currently, China Southern Airlines is the only carrier offering flights on this route, as indicated by Cirium schedules.
This route resumption is part of the government's A$75 million ($50 million) aviation recovery initiative. It represents the 20th international destination connected to Perth through new or reinstated non-stop flights since the reopening of borders.
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, highlighted that this development is a significant boon for Western Australia's tourism sector. "The Chinese market is crucial for our tourism, business, education, and export sectors. In 2023, China was Western Australia’s fourth largest market, with 54,000 visitors contributing $230 million to the economy. The reintroduction of non-stop services is expected to further boost visitor numbers," she said.
The service, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, will provide 86,000 seats and 5,000 tonnes of cargo capacity to the Perth market, Holsgrove added.
Additionally, China Eastern Airlines has introduced seasonal flights from Shanghai earlier this year.
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