China Southern Airlines is set to mark its footprint prominently in Queensland. The airline has increased flights shortly after announcing the introduction of four weekly flights to Brisbane from 17 November. Responding to high customer demand, it added daily services during China’s peak travel season from 8 December to 25 February.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, the Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport, was delighted by the news of the flight increases. “This increase by China Southern has occurred at a breathtaking pace. It’s still 9 weeks from landing its first flight in Brisbane since the pandemic. To see demand so strong this early is good news for Queensland’s economy. Chinese visitors love Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and The Great Barrier Reef. So, the jobs from these tourists will be spread across the state.”
Chinese Tourists Flock to Queensland
Before the pandemic, China was Queensland’s primary fountain of international visitors. Nearly half a million Chinese tourists poured in $1.61 billion overnight visitor expenditure. The importance of this market to Queensland is undeniable.
The forthcoming 2032 Games in Brisbane plays a pivotal role in this equation. “The 2032 Games are playing a key role in this market. Chinese visitors view hosting the Olympics and Paralympic Games as an important status marker for a city. It’s very symbolic and something we can’t talk up too highly in this region because it cuts through,” Gert-Jan de Graaff adds.
Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a collaborative venture between the Queensland Government and its airports, has catalyzed the state’s visitor economy.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe also chimes in with the optimism. He believes China Southern’s dedication to daily flights further solidifies Queensland’s allure as a prime holiday destination. “The introduction of daily flights, especially around the traditional Chinese New Year travel season, offers many opportunities for Chinese visitors,” he says. “It’s all about rekindling the love Chinese visitors have for Queensland.”
China Southern Will Fly A350 to Brisbane
China Southern is increasing its services even before its first flight takes off from Guangzhou on 17 November. And it’s not just about frequency; it’s about quality, too. The airline will deploy the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft for these flights. This aircraft promises passengers an unmatched comfort level. It is also environmentally efficient, boasting 50% quieter operations and 25% reduced fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
| Inside the China Southern A350 Cabin | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number of Seats | 335 | |||
| Seat Type | Business Class | Economy Class | ||
| Number of Seats | 28 | 307 | ||
| Seat Pitch(inch) | 43 | 31\32 | ||
| Seat Width(inch) | 23 | 17.5 | ||
| Seat Tilt | 180° | 6″ | ||
| Individual TV display (inches) | 18.5 | 11.6 | ||
| Power outlet | √ | — | ||
| USB port | √ | √ | ||
More connections and an Olympic investment
Upon landing in Brisbane, tourists can connect to Australia’s most expansive domestic destinations network. The options are extensive, with over 52 towns and cities to select from—30 in Queensland.
Brisbane Airport launched a $5+ billion investment program to accommodate the increasing demand. This ensures infrastructure is in place leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and for the following years.