China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will resume nonstop services between Shanghai and Brisbane from 31 October.
China’s second largest airline will commence with three flights per week, rising to daily seasonal flights from 8 December 2023 for the peak of the travel season.
China Eastern Airlines will deploy widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route, carrying 232 passengers across a two-class configuration.
Recently, other Chinese carrier, China Southern Airlines, also confirmed its return to Brisbane from Guangzhou, with A350-900 aircraft.
“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,” according to Gert-Jan de Graaff, chief executive officer of Brisbane airport.
“With two carriers now set to resume services from mainland China, we’re forecasting China will likely regain its spot as Queensland’s number one source for inbound tourists in 2024. This is big news for the Gold Coast, Brisbane and North Queensland.”
“China Eastern Airlines, a member of Skyteam, is thrilled to return to Brisbane from 29th October 2023, and offer Brisbane travellers nonstop service to Shanghai,” according to China Eastern Airlines Oceania general manager, Jim Young.
Shanghai is China’s largest city with a population greater than Australia. As China’s biggest commercial hub, it is an important destination for both business and leisure travel.
China Eastern’s Brisbane flights will be operated in codeshare with Qantas.
Services will depart Brisbane every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 1110, and depart Shanghai every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2100 local time until the service switches to daily for peak season from 8 December.
