Charters boost China flights

CHINA Eastern Airlines returns to Cairns today in a first of a series of charters.

The flight from Shanghai, due at 8.40am, is one of 10 by the airline during Chinese New Year.

The flights will arrive in Cairns each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until February 24.

Airport aviation chief commercial officer Paul McLean said China Eastern’s flights added to the overall capacity into Cairns during the busy Chinese New Year period.

“We are pleased to welcome China Eastern back to Cairns. Their service using A330-200 aircraft has the potential to bring 2640 visitors to Cairns,” he said.

“This will add to the many thousands of visitors arriving here on other direct flights into Cairns from mainland China and Hong Kong during Chinese New Year.

“With over 80 per cent of international travellers arriving into and departing from Cairns via domestic flights, we also expect to welcome many more thousands of Chinese visitors coming here during the holiday period via other parts of Australia.”

Also flying from China are China Southern (Guangzhou) and Hainan Airlines (Shenzhen) as well as Hong Kong services operated by Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines.

Airport chief executive Norris Carter said the 2018 Chinese New Year holiday season had started in earnest.

“It’s promising to be an exciting and busy time in Cairns,” he said.

“We’re proud to support the Cairns and District Chinese Association (CADCAI) to bring you the Cairns Airport Chinese New Year Street Festival to Grafton St on Saturday, February 24 and we encourage everyone to join in these colourful celebrations.”