- China Eastern has touched down at Brisbane International Airport with non-stop services from Shanghai three days per week.
- Shanghai-Brisbane flights are secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund in partnership with Queensland’s four international airports.
- China Eastern fly daily seasonal services to Brisbane from early-December to February for Chinese New Year celebrations.
The dragon has returned to Brisbane.
China Eastern Airlines has today landed its first direct flight in Queensland from Shanghai in more than three and a half years.
Initially delivering three services per week, from 8 December China Eastern will fly daily services for the Chinese New Year peak travel season.
The return of China Eastern to Queensland skies has been secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, in partnership with the State’s four international airports.
Over the next three years, China Eastern services are predicted to deliver 181,014 inbound international seats, generating $314 million and supporting 1,270 good Queensland jobs.
In 2019, before the pandemic almost half-a-million Chinese visitors travelled direct to Queensland, as the State’s largest source of international visitors.
So far, the $200 million 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.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:
“From the Reef to the Outback, we know Chinese visitors love Queensland’s great lifestyle and iconic, world-class tourism experiences and it’s terrific to welcome them back.
“Our Queensland is Good to Go campaign is live in China and already tapping into pent-up demand for Queensland holidays and reunions with family and friends.
“Good to Go in China is one of 80 Queensland marketing partnerships underway globally to help fast-track an $11 billion-a-year international visitor economy by the 2032 Games.
“There is more work to do, but Brisbane’s strategic reconnection with Shanghai’s aviation hub is highly significant for Queensland’s international tourism recovery, exports and good jobs.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said.
“This is a landmark day for Queensland’s tourism industry. We are delighted to welcome China Eastern back to Brisbane and see Shanghai return to BNE’s destination map.
“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 said:
“I am very pleased to officially welcome the relaunched direct service between Shanghai and Brisbane by China Eastern Airlines.
“The service will boost trade and tourism between Queensland and China. Shanghai and Queensland share more than three decades as Sister States.
“We recognise the cultural exchange and business opportunities that will flow from this service, allowing expanded trade, tourism, education and more.”
