Airline’s return a timely boost

THE return of China Eastern Airlines to Far Northern skies later this year is well-timed over our festive season and Chinese New Year 2019.

They will be a bonus to the committed and valued regular direct services by China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou and Hainan Airlines from Shenzhen.

The China Eastern flights from Shanghai are seasonal from December through to March.

The carrier was last here in February, operating 10 flights during Chinese New Year. The new flights will involve about 36 services.

To make the services, as well as the other routes sustainable, the airlines need return bookings by travellers from the Far North and further afield.

The aircraft might be bringing in many Chinese tourists but to make them viable the return seats need to be filled as well and export products in the belly of the planes too.

The return flights are an opportunity for Far Northern residents to explore cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen, which offer a lot to see and do.

Exporters can value-add by sending fresh produce from the region, such as fish and seafood, avocados, mangoes and dairy products.

Two years ago Chinese New Year festivities in Cairns were a disaster after China Eastern Airlines suddenly cancelled their flights.

But the airline, in deciding to return for a longer period, is showing faith in the destination and the belief there are the passenger loads to justify the investment.

If the incoming and outgoing services prove successful, they could become a welcome and permanent fixture. Nick Dalton Deputy Editor