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Chinese airline to make Aussie debut with new MEL flights; SYD confirms announcement

Australia will welcome a new Chinese airline later this year, with Juneyao Airlines announcing new non-stop flights between Melbourne Airport and Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport.

Australia will welcome a new Chinese airline later this year, with Juneyao Airlines announcing new non-stop flights between Melbourne Airport and Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport.

The service will mark the first time the Shanghai-based airline has flown to Australasia. Commencing 19 December, the new service will fly three times per week, increasing to a daily operation during the peak holiday season in January and February 2025.

But the airline hasn’t stopped there… the carrier has also announced plans to launch direct flights to Sydney Airport, the NSW hub told Karryon

Juneyao Airlines
A Juneyao Dreamliner.

Although the airport could not comment further, AeroRoutes reports that the Sydney service will also commence on 19 December on a daily basis, with reservations for both services to open soon.

Juneyao Airlines will utilise its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the Melbourne route and likely its Sydney route too.

The carrier’s Dreamliners feature 29 business class seats and 295 economy class seats.

According to Melbourne Airport, Juneyao’s arrival in Victoria will grow Tullamarine’s mainland Chinese seat capacity to above pre-pandemic levels. 

Melbourne Airport and Juneyao Airlines officials.
MEL officials at Juneyao’s headquarters.

“This addition means more international carriers will now serve Melbourne Airport than ever before, highlighting the need for our investment in projects such as the international baggage system upgrade and third runway,” the airport said.

“These upgrades will ensure we’re ready for future growth and offer more choices for travellers.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus added, “Juneyao Airlines’ choice of Melbourne as their first Australian destination is a strong vote of confidence in Victoria”.

Shanghai, China Perth Airport
Shanghai, China.

Currently, only China Eastern Airlines flies non-stop between Shanghai and Australia, servicing both Sydney and Melbourne. 

In July, Qantas flew its last Sydney-Shanghai service citing low demand. However, the carrier said it would monitor the Australia-China market and resume Shanghai flights once demand picks up. 

The timetable for MEL-PVG looks like this:

  • HO1656 MEL0900 – 1610PVG 
  • HO1655 PVG1730 – 0700+1MEL 

The timetable for SYD-PVG looks like this:

  • HO1670 SYD0830 – 1600PVG
  • HO1669 PVG1710 – 0630+1SYD