Push for more Chinese flights

CHINESE airlines are reducing their flights to Australia, but Cairns Airport has managed to convince one to increase their services — albeit for a short period.

Chinese New Year celebrations 2020 were looking grim with no Chinese airline prepared to provide direct services from the mainland to Cairns.

China Eastern has yet to commit to flights after operating about three a week during this year’s festivities while China Southern, which has completely suspended its route to Cairns, declined.

Fortunately Hainan Airlines, which is pleased with its twice-weekly flights from Shenzhen, has come to the party, adding an extra service for five weeks in January.

It will mean more than 1000 seats will be available.

Chinese revellers will also visit Cairns on SilkAir from Singapore and Air Niugini from Hong Kong via Port Moresby as well as on domestic routes.

Cairns Airport aviation chief commercial officer Luis Perez says it is becoming increasingly difficult to sign up Chinese airlines.

They are reducing their capacity to Australia, down by 4 per cent this year, as demand for their aircraft is required on more profitable routes, especially within China, and to fill up slots at Beijing’s new airport.

Another factor is Chinese travellers are seeking rival destinations that don’t require visas such as Thailand and the Philippines.

Far more Chinese want to come to Australia than actual numbers but many cannot get or are refused visas.

It’s something the Australian Government urgently needs to do something about.

Nick Dalton Deputy editor