Perth Airport awoke this morning to a new Dreamliner, as China Southern’s Boeing 787 touched down at the gateway.
The aircraft replaces the Airbus A330, which has been used on flights from the Australian city since 2013.
The switch comes after the airline confirmed it will increase services between Perth and Guanzhou from three weekly direct services to four commencing 16 July this year.
China Southern Airlines new Regional Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand Louis Lu with the CZ B787 Captain.
Two of the four direct weekly flights from Perth will move from a morning to an evening arrival and late evening departure.
The airline’s Regional Managing Director Australia and New Zealand said the upgrade to the Boeing 787 would give Australians access to a new aircraft and increase capacity for business and leisure travellers.
“Perth is a very important part of the China Southern Airline network, not only for our passengers but also for the development of China Southern Airlines crew; with the ongoing investment of China Southern Airlines West Australian Flying College.”
Louis Lu, China Southern Airlines Regional Managing Director Australia and New Zealand
China Airlines’ relationship with Perth started in 1993 with the establishment of the airline’s West Australian Flying College at Jandakot Airport. It is currently only of the largest pilot training schools in the southern hemisphere.
Perth Airport’s CEO said he’s ‘delighted’ the keep the relationship going and that Perth was selected to be the first Australian destination to receive China’s Southern 787.
China Southern’s Boeing 787 arrives in Perth.
“With our $1 billion redevelopment currently transforming Perth Airport into a world class gateway to Western Australia, we look forward to the introduction of China Southern Airlines fourth weekly service effective July 2015.”
Brad Geatches, Perth Airport CEO
China is Perth’s third largest international tourism market in terms of visitor spend and since the State Government first signed an agreement with China Southern Airlines in 2011, Tourism WA confirmed Chinese visitors to Western Australia has increased by 63 percent to 37,400 last year.
