The NSW Government has announced a major boost to the NSW economy, with flights between Xiamen and Fuzhou in China to Sydney, bringing more visitors to the State, and generating a further $133 million each year.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said Chinese airline XiamenAir will fly to Sydney from November, just in time for the busy holiday and Chinese New Year period.
“I’m delighted to welcome XiamenAir which will fly to Sydney for the first time, bringing even more visitors from China to our great State,” Mr Ayres said.
Sydney is the first city in Australia to secure new routes between China and Australia since the expansion of the bilateral arrangements.
“It is fitting, given NSW was last month once again named the number one destination for international visitors in Australia, with a record 3.3 million international visitors, with China placed as the top market for international guests to NSW with 500,000 visitors - an increase of 19 per cent from the previous year,” Mr Ayres added.
“This new airline service from XiamenAir will contribute to the strong growth NSW has experienced from China and builds on other aviation relationships we have in this key inbound tourism market.”
The five new weekly flights comprise three flights each week from Fuzhou, and two weekly flights from Xiamen. Both cities are located in Fujian Province, which has a population of almost 38 million.
Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said the new XiamenAir relationship demonstrates the expanded China-Australia bilateral agreement is delivering significant benefits already.
“This is expected to further grow the important Chinese passenger market, which is expected to be Australia’s largest inbound visitor market next year,” Ms Mather said.
Both routes will operate with new 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and are subject to Federal Government approval.
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