Milestone moment as airline marks one year

MORE than 32,000 passengers have flown on China Southern Airlines between Guangzhou and China since the service started a year ago.

Airline officials have hosted a group of Cairns business and tourism leaders at a party at Crystalbrook Collection’s Riley Hotel to mark a year since the airline began direct flights from Guangzhou.

China Southern Airlines Australia and New Zealand general manager Zhang Yubin said the Cairns route was the second direct connection between China and Queensland and provided more flexible choices for passengers from China and Australia.

“Since the launch of the route, over 32,000 passengers have travelled with the airline,” he said.

“The new route promotes the continued development of tourism, economy, trade and cultural exchanges between China and Australia, and further improves and optimises China Southern’s network in Australia and New Zealand.

“China Southern is the largest air carrier in the aviation market between China and Australia.

“With the launch of the Cairns-Guangzhou route, China Southern has expanded its coverage to six major cities in five states of Australia, completing the strategic layout in the Australian market.

“China Southern wouldn’t be here without the support from our industry partners and the community. In 2019, we will contribute as we always do and we hope to keep working together with everyone in this community to create a brighter future.”

Cairns Airport chief executive Norris Carter said since 2010 Chinese visitors to Cairns had more than tripled. “Cairns locals now have access to the fourth largest network in the world and can fly direct more than ever before,” he said.

“China Southern offers locals a very important gateway to the world with its extensive international network.

“Visitor numbers are expected to grow and by 2020 it is anticipated we’ll see more than 350,000 Chinese visitors coming to our region each year.

“For the last year more people than ever before from China and other parts of Asia have been able to travel here directly.”

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE SMILES: China Southern Airlines assistant president Zhang Lin with State Tourism Minister Kate Jones. The airline marks one year of flying to Cairns.