The new service between Shenzhen and Melbourne will operate three times a week using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, adding more than 95,000 annual seats.
A member of Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines is China’s fifth-largest carrier and becomes Melbourne’s 40th international carrier and the 10th Chinese airline.
Shenzhen Airlines has a fleet of more than 230 aircraft flying nearly 40 million passengers a year with a network spanning more than 90 domestic and international destinations across China and to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and beyond.
The growth in international capacity has helped Melbourne’s international terminal record its busiest July ever with 1,042,522 passengers, representing a four per cent increase on the same time last year.
The timing of school holidays contributed to a 5.4 per cent increase in domestic travel with a total of 2,152,650 passengers for the month.
Jim Parashos, Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation, said the arrival of Shenzhen Airlines reflects the strength of Melbourne’s appeal to foreign carriers and the importance of Open Skies agreements.
“Shenzhen Airlines’ decision to choose Melbourne as its first Australian destination reinforces Melbourne Airport’s position as Australia’s 24/7 international gateway,” he said.
“This announcement is a significant milestone in Melbourne Airport’s international growth story as we continue to bring competition and choice into the market for our passengers.
“Shenzhen is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city for travellers to explore, but it’s also a global hub for tech, electronics and manufacturing that Victorian producers will now have direct access to.”
Na Na, Shenzhen Airlines Vice President, said the new route will provide greater connectivity for travel and trade.
“The new Shenzhen-Melbourne direct route marks a pivotal milestone in Shenzhen Airlines’ global strategy, serving as a vital air bridge deepening ties between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Victoria,” she said.
“Our close collaboration with Melbourne Airport will efficiently facilitate two-way flows of trade, education and cultural exchanges, delivering a more convenient and comfortable direct service for tens of thousands of passengers.”
https://global.shenzhenair.com/
