China boost with second airline coup

A SECOND Chinese airline is to fly direct to Cairns in a twoyear deal struck in Beijing this week.

Hainan Airlines have agreed to fly twice a week between Shenzhen and Cairns from late December.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones signed the deal with the airline earlier this week.

It follows a three-year agreement for three flights a week with China Southern Airlines for services from Guangzhou, also from December.

The Hainan flights are expected to attract an additional 30,000 Chinese visitors over two years, estimated to be worth $64 million to the Far North’s economy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the flights, secured through the government’s $10 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, would allow Cairns to capitalise on Queensland’s most valuable and fastest growing international market.

“This latest agreement ensures that Cairns is well placed to continue attracting large numbers of Chinese visitors,” she said.

“These new flights, delivered in partnership with Cairns Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland, will open up additional opportunities for travellers to experience everything the north of our state has to offer.”

Ms Jones said Queensland was a step closer to becoming the Australian destination of choice for Chinese travellers.

“With up to 30,000 visitors expected to arrive on these services over two years, they’ll provide a significant boost for the local tourism industry, as well as other flow-on benefits for the local economy, supporting almost 500 jobs across the region.”

Hainan Airlines vice-president Hou Wei said the service opened up new economic opportunities between China and Queensland.

“Following the Brisbane route Hainan Airlines announced this past July, the Cairns route will be Hainan Airlines’ second route connecting China and Queensland and sixth route operating between China and Australia,” he said.

Cairns Airport chief executive Norris Carter said the new direct route from Shenzhen would make it better and quicker for Chinese tourists to get to Cairns. “Currently, most international visitors to Cairns arrive and depart on domestic flights. With more direct international flights making it faster and easier to get to Cairns, we expect to welcome even more visitors,” he said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Pip Close said the Hainan deal was “a great boost for the region”.

She said a lot of work had been done by tourism marketing bodies to develop the region’s brand in China.

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