West Coast friends, now is the perfect time to book that trip to China, with seats on the new direct trial flights between Perth and Shanghai on sale, with economy airfares from $698 return including tax.
The service will start on January 15, 2020 and run until February 17, 2020, offering three flights a week for five weeks. The direct flights will depart Perth on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the trial period.
The China Eastern Airlines trial flights are a partnership between the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia; Perth Airport; Tourism Australia and the airline.
Tourism WA is investing an additional $1 million into marketing campaigns and will work with Tourism Australia, China Eastern and travel agents to promote Western Australia as a desirable holiday destination in China as well as generate ticket sales.
The campaigns will be tailored to attract younger generation Chinese visitors, including free independent travellers, families and students, who seek nature, wildlife and authentic local experiences.
The route
The seasonal trial flights coincide with Chinese New Year, making it a wonderful time to visit.
Shanghai is one of the best cities in the world to visit if you want to celebrate the Chinese New Year traditionally and authentically.
Chinese New Year is celebrated for two weeks in Shanghai. Most of the rituals and events take place in Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and many temples around the city.
This will also be the first time China Eastern has flown directly to Perth.
Last financial year, 48,400 Chinese leisure visitors travelled to WA, a year-on-year increase of 15.6 percent. These visitors spent $71 million in the State, which is an increase of 2.3 percent compared to the previous year.
If the trial flights attract strong passenger numbers between the two destinations, the State Government will work with China Eastern to secure the route as a regular service.
“This service also presents a great opportunity for local people to travel direct between Perth and Shanghai. I hope Western Australians get on board with the trial, holiday in Shanghai and help us secure flights in the long term.”
Paul Papalia, Tourism Minister
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