China Eastern Airlines touched down again at Brisbane Airport, after three years, eight months and 21 days since their last flight landed in Queensland from China.
The China Eastern Airlines flight MU715 landed this morning at Brisbane Airport, reconnecting Queensland’s most valuable tourism market.
Non-stop services will start at three days per week, then daily from 8 December.
“This is a landmark day for Queensland’s tourism industry,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff, Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation.
“We are delighted to welcome China Eastern Airlines 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,” he said.
“In just 17 days, we’ll see the return of our second Chinese airline. Both services will increase to daily flights from December in time for the peak travel season, so we’re forecasting China will likely regain its spot as Queensland’s number one source for inbound tourism income in 2024. This is big news for Brisbane, the Gold Coast and North Queensland,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff
It is predicted that over the next three years, China Eastern services will deliver 181,014 inbound international seats, generating $314 million and supporting 1,270 Queensland jobs.
From its Shanghai hub, China Eastern can connect passengers to more than 80 cities in all corners of China, 10 destinations in Europe, 16 in North Asia (14 in Japan, five in South Korea) and four cities in North America.
The return of China Eastern’s direct flights to China is said to be welcomed by Queensland exporters who regain a direct path to market for all the high-quality fresh food sent to China’s quality conscious consumers.
The deal is the 26th strategic international connection secured by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a joint Queensland Government and airports initiative.
“China Eastern is strategically important for reconnecting Brisbane to Shanghai’s aviation hub to drive Queensland’s international tourism recovery, exports and support for good Queensland jobs,” said Queensland Tourism Minister, The Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe.
“We know Chinese visitors love Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class holiday experiences, and will be crucial to our plan to build an $11 billion international visitor economy by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Stirling Hinchliffe.
China Eastern’s General Manager, China Eastern Airlines Oceania, Jim Young, added:
“We recognise the cultural exchange and business opportunities that will flow from this service, allowing expanded trade, tourism, education and more. We wish this service every success and we look forward to welcoming you on board.”
The next 10 years will see the continued transformation of Brisbane Airport. It is currently investing more than $5 billion in sustainable, transformational infrastructure that will deliver improved services and new facilities.
