Melbourne Airport announced Shenzhen Airlines has added it as the airline’s first and only Australian destination with direct flights between Shenzhen and Melbourne set to take off from 23 December. The new service will operate three times a week using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, adding more than 95,000 annual seats to Melbourne.
A member of Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines is China’s fifth-largest carrier and becomes Melbourne Airport’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 Airport’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 percent increase in domestic travel with a total of 2,152,650 passengers for the month.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos 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. We’re grateful for the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria’s support in enhancing Victoria’s global network. To keep pace with growing demand, we’re undertaking major infrastructure upgrades across the airport. Next year, we’ll close our current drop off and pick up zones and move them into the T123 carpark which will give us space in the forecourt for a much-needed expansion of our international terminal.”
Shenzhen Airlines Vice President Na Na 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.”
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