ONE of China’s largest airlines has relaunched a service between Guangzhou and Adelaide, opening up to 45 tonnes of cargo capacity each week for exports to China.
China Southern Airlines will be flying three times per week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) between the two cities over the peak summer period from now until 1 March 2025.
The current intention is to return to a year-round service once demand increases.
China Southern initially launched the direct service in December 2016, before operations ceased in March 2020 because of the pandemic.
The relaunch follows the lifting of trade restrictions between Australia and China, including the removal of restrictions on two Australian meat processing facilities early this month.
“It’s great to be welcoming China Southern back to South Australia, with these new flights unlocking up to 45 tonnes of cargo space for local exporters to fill each week,” SA trade and investment minister Joe Szakacs said.
“China is South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner, and our government values this important partnership and will continue to deepen engagement to deliver future opportunities that benefit the state.
“Our exports to China have never been higher, worth $4.43 billion to the state’s economy over the past year, and this direct route provides another opportunity for our exporters to enter market cheaper, quicker and more efficiently.”
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said the relaunch would boost the SA economy and stimulate vital trade between the two countries.
“The return of China Southern is also a significant stimulus for our exporters at a time when trade restrictions between China and Australia on products such as beef and lobsters have recently been lifted,” he said.
“The widebody [Boeing Dreamliner 787-8] can carry South Australian products to one of China’s largest cities, and in turn providing easier one-stop access to markets throughout China.”
China Southern is the second major international airline to recommence direct flights to South Australia in less than two months after Emirates reinstated direct daily flights between Dubai and Adelaide in October.
