Shenzhen Airlines touches down in Melbourne

The first Shenzhen Airlines flight into Melbourne touched down on 23 December, marking a major milestone for Victoria’s visitor economy which will boost tourism, support local jobs and help Victorian businesses. Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks joined Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos, Chinese Consul-General Fang Xinwen and Shenzhen Airlines Chair Li Shuxing to celebrate the inaugural flight, which will strengthen links between the two regions and boost Victoria’s visitor economy. Direct services between Shenzhen and Melbourne will now operate three times a week, adding more than 95,000 seats each year and providing tourism operators with new opportunities to grow visitation, extend length of stay and support local jobs across the state. The new route will also benefit Victorian travellers with more choice and connections, while creating freight opportunities that help local exporters and producers reach key markets in southern China. China is Victoria’s largest international visitor market, with 453,000 Chinese visitors spending $3.1 billion to the Victorian economy in the year ending September 2025 – an increase of 22.4 per cent on the previous year. The growth aligns with the Labor Government’s China Strategy and ‘Every bit different’ marketing push in China. Victoria’s growth in visitors from China is almost double the national average, sitting at 32.7 per cent year-on-year growth, compared to an average of 16.5 per cent across Australia. By 2030, travellers from China to Victoria are forecast to reach 668,000. Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said: “Victorian businesses and workers are benefiting from a boom in tourists from China. These new flights will bring even more visitors to Victoria, increasing spending across tourism, hospitality and local businesses throughout the state.” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said: “We know that every time the tyres of an international flight touch the tarmac at Melbourne Airport, Victoria is half a million dollars better off, so this new service will deliver benefits right across the state. Shenzhen is one of China’s largest technology hubs and a fascinating gateway for Australians looking to explore the booming cities of the Pearl River Delta or beyond.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]