Sydney Airport is about to welcome two new international routes in early November, with the launch of services to first-time destinations Hangzhou (HGH) and Jinan (TNA) in China.
Commencing 5 November 2023, China Eastern Airlines will commence a twice-weekly triangular service flying Hangzhou-Auckland-Sydney-Hangzhou and another twice-weekly service operating in the opposite direction.
Utilising its A330-200 aircraft, MU731 will depart HGH at 1545 (local time) and arrive in AKL at 0940 (+1) before departing AKL at 1140 and touching down in SYD at 1310. Flight MU712 will then leave SYD at 1510 for an arrival in HGH at 2300 on the same day.
In the opposite direction (commencing 7 November), MU711 will depart HGH at 2245 and arrive in SYD at 1215 (+1) before departing SYD at 1415 and landing in AKL at 1930. Flight MU732 will then leave AKL at 2245 and touch down in HGH at 0645 (+1).
Elsewhere, China Eastern will kick flights between Sydney-Jinan flights on 11 November 2023 with a three-times-weekly service, also using its A330-200 aircraft. Flight MU763 will depart TNA at 1835 and arrive in SYD at 0930 (+1), with flight MU764 leaving SYD at 1210 at touching down in TNA at 2105 on the same day.
From next month, the Shanghai-based carrier will directly link Sydney Airport with six mainland Chinese ports, with the two new routes joining already existing services to Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Xi’an.
The new China Eastern flights also give Australians another option for Trans Tasman flights.
China travel surge
The capital of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou is already a popular domestic tourist destination in China. According to China Tourism Academy’s 2022 National Tourist Satisfaction Report, the metropolis led Chinese cities for tourist satisfaction. It also hosted the most recent Asian Games at the end of last year.
The capital of China’s Shandong province, Jinan is another popular domestic tourism spot that combines ancient and modern attractions in both urban and rural settings.
China has recently experienced a massive surge in domestic travel, culminating in the country’s Golden Week holiday.
Jane Sun, CEO of Chinese travel giant Trip.com, says there’s a trend for seeking out new holiday destinations within China.
“This year’s holiday season reflects a strong desire among travellers for unique and immersive experiences,” she stated.
“We’ve observed a significant shift towards high-quality services and in-depth travel encounters.
“Travellers are not just exploring popular destinations but also seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.”
Last month, the ACCC moved to block continuing coordination between Qantas Group entities (including Jetstar) and China Eastern Airlines on Australian and mainland China routes.
