China Southern Airlines will add seven extra flights a week between Melbourne and Guangzhou – a region of more than 18.6 million people in mainland China – from this November, before adding three more flights per week by the end of 2024, either to Guangzhou or Shenzhen – population circa 17.5 million.
The combined additional 17 flights a week will boost seats between China and Melbourne by 154,000 each year and inject more than $308 million into the Victorian economy annually.
It will also make Melbourne a more attractive incentive destination for the Chinese business events market. The city has already confirmed an Amway mega incentive out of China for 2025 which will bring more than 10,000 delegates to Melbourne.
“China Southern Airlines is fully committed to providing exceptional service and fostering strong ties between China and Australia,” said China Southern Airlines’ vice chairman and president, Han Wensheng.
“Together, we can continue to build an air bridge between our two nations and promote prosperity for both Victoria and China.”
China Southern already operates daily flights to Melbourne from Guangzhou. The increase in services has come with support from the state government and Melbourne Airport.
“Thanks to our partnership with the Victorian Government, Melbourne has been one of the fastest markets in the world to recover non-stop capacity from China, which delivers a boost to tourism, education and primary producers,” said Melbourne Airport’s CEO, Lorie Argus.
