China Eastern Airlines is reinstating its non-stop flights between Shanghai, China’s commercial nerve center, and Brisbane. Service will take off on 31 October.
This decision marks China Eastern’s commitment to Queensland and responds to tourism demand between China and Australia. While China Eastern is the second Chinese airline to commit to Queensland, it will be the first to launch flights.
A Promising Forecast for Queensland’s Tourism
With the introduction of this route, China would reclaim its position as Queensland’s leading source of tourists by 2024. Furthermore, these flights could contribute $314 million to Queensland’s visitor economy over three years, potentially supporting over 1,270 jobs.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation, said, “This is another sign Queensland’s Chinese tourism market is set to roar back to life. We are delighted to welcome Shanghai back to the BNE destination map. Shanghai is China’s largest city and a commercial hub, making it a key city for business and leisure travel.”
Boosting Queensland’s Economy and Employment
China Eastern Airlines’ decision to fly to Brisbane will play a significant role in Queensland’s economy. With a potential influx of tourists from mainland China, locales such as the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and North Queensland could see substantial economic benefits.
Speaking of the alliance between China Eastern Airlines, the Queensland Government, and Brisbane Airport, China Eastern Airlines Oceania General Manager, Mr. Jim Young said, “Our non-stop flight to and from Brisbane will further substantiate Shanghai as an exceptional hub for both business and leisure travelers to destinations across China and beyond on a global scale.”
Queensland Good to Go
This collaboration is the 26th international connection established through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, an initiative the Queensland Government and airports co-founded.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe commented on this positive development, recognizing the eagerness of Chinese travelers to experience Queensland’s exceptional lifestyle and iconic tourist destinations. “The message potential visitors hear in China from Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ) tourism marketing is Queensland is Good to Go. We see that reflected in strong Queensland holiday bookings from Guangzhou and new tourism opportunities for visitors to fly directly from China’s biggest city, Shanghai. Rekindling Chinese travelers’ love of Queensland’s iconic tourism experiences is critical to TEQ’s industry Blueprint for building an $11 billion international visitor economy by the 2032 Games.”
Shanghai: The Epicentre of Travel
Shanghai isn’t just China’s largest city but a colossal commercial hub. This makes it a sought-after destination for business and leisure travel. From its central hub at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport, China Eastern offers seamless connections to 80 destinations within China and 46 destinations around the world.
China Eastern Flights to Brisbane: the Details
China Eastern’s Brisbane flights will operate through a code-share with Qantas.
- Flights depart Brisbane every Wednesday / Friday / Sunday at 11:10 a.m.
- Flights depart Shanghai every Tuesday / Thursday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m. Beijing time.
- The service switches to daily for peak season starting 8 December.
Brisbane’s Growing Allure
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency has also rallied behind this venture, amplifying its efforts to promote Brisbane in China.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said, “Brisbane just keeps getting better. Our growing reputation as a safe and exciting destination means visitors worldwide are eager to explore our incredible city. This deal will see an entirely new generation of Chinese travelers discover Brisbane’s retail, restaurant, tourism, and entertainment precincts. This will help create jobs and opportunities for local residents.”