Victorians and other Australians will soon have a new way to fly to China, with the announcement that Shenzhen Airlines will commence its first Aussie flights later this year.
Set to launch on 23 December, Shenzhen Airlines will link Melbourne and Shenzhen with nonstop flights for the first time, creating more than 95,000 seats per year on the route.
A Star Alliance carrier, Shenzhen Airlines will utilise its A330-300 aircraft for the three-times-weekly service.
As a high-tech hub linking Hong Kong with Mainland China, Shenzhen is often considered China’s Silicon Valley. The megatropolis is also known for its shopping and dining experiences.
“Shenzhen Airlines’ decision to choose Melbourne as its first Australian destination reinforces Melbourne Airport’s position as Australia’s 24/7 international gateway,” Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said.
“This announcement is a significant milestone in Melbourne Airport’s international growth story as we continue to bring competition and choice into the market for our passengers.
“Shenzhen is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city for travellers to explore, but it’s also a global hub for tech, electronics, and manufacturing.
“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria’s support in enhancing Victoria’s global network.”
Shenzhen Airlines Vice President Na Na said the new service would boost two-way tourism and trade, calling the route a milestone moment for the carrier.
“The new Shenzhen-Melbourne direct route marks a pivotal milestone in Shenzhen Airlines’ global strategy, serving as a vital air bridge deepening ties between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Victoria,” she said.
“Our close collaboration with Melbourne Airport will efficiently facilitate two-way flows of trade, education and cultural exchanges, delivering a more convenient and comfortable direct service for tens of thousands of passengers.”
With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, Shenzhen is China’s fifth-largest airline, serving around 40 million passengers a year to 90 destinations.
With its arrival in Victoria, Shenzhen will become Melbourne Airport’s 40th international airline and remarkably, its tenth Chinese carrier.
Growing gateway
The move comes as Melbourne Airport’s international terminal recorded its busiest July on record, with more than one million passengers, a four per cent increase year-on-year. Domestic travel also grew 5.4 per cent, boosted by school holidays.
With this in mind, Melbourne Airport continues to enhance travellers’ experiences.
“To keep pace with growing demand, we’re undertaking major infrastructure upgrades across the airport,” Parashos remarked.
“Next year, we’ll close our current drop off and pick up zones and move them into the T123 carpark, which will give us space in the forecourt for a much-needed expansion of our international terminal.”
Read more about Tullamarine’s international terminal expansion here.
