Victorians will soon have a new connection to China, with the announcement that Beijing Capital Airlines will start flying between Melbourne and Hangzhou in June.
Utilising its A330 aircraft, Beijing Capital Airlines will fly the route three times per week.
Known as China’s capital of tea, Hangzhou will become the eighth non-stop mainland Chinese destination accessible from Melbourne.
Beijing Capital Airlines also operates Melbourne-Qingdao and Sydney-Qingdao services.
Tourism boost
Although connections between Melbourne and China are still below 2019 levels, capacity is on the path to full recovery, with the latest announcement taking Victoria-mainland China seats to 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
And for local tourism, it’s capacity that is sorely needed, as Chinese visitors to Victoria are sitting at just 62 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, despite Tullamarine setting new monthly records for international passenger numbers in February and March.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus believes the extra seats should boost Victoria’s tourism and education sectors.
“Hangzhou is home to around 11 million people, which is twice the size of Melbourne and is known as the tea capital of China,” she states.
“Mainland Chinese travellers have traditionally been one of the highest spending markets however the slow return of group travel continues to impact visitation numbers.”
According to Argus, Chinese tourists spent a total of $5.8 billion in Australia last year. And whilst that sounds impressive, it’s just over half (56 per cent) of what they spent here in 2019.
“It’s estimated that an average daily international flight is worth around $154 million to the Victorian economy, so we know these flights will help fill our restaurants, support our shops, and give our farmers access to millions more consumers,” she remarks.
“China is Victoria’s largest two-way trading partner and the number one buyer of Victorian goods with sales topping $6 billion last financial year.”
“Australia’s Open Skies policy with China gives airlines the future certainty they need to make investments in Australia, this important new connection into mainland China will help boost trade, tourism and international student growth.”