Hainan Airlines Launches Sydney

HAINAN AIRLINES has launched flights to Sydney from Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The three-times weekly service is operated by an Airbus A330-200 configured with 36 Business Class and 186 Economy seats.

“Hainan Airlines is a fast growing airline with an extensive domestic network across China," said Russell Balding, Chief Executive officer, Sydney Airport. "The commencement of services by Hainan Airlines is great news for Sydney and demonstrates again the significant economic contribution that the airport makes to Sydney.

The arrival of Hainan Airlines means that Sydney Airport now has five Chinese airlines flying from Sydney. "This route development reflects the fundamental strengths of the Sydney market. NSW is home to about 55% of the population of Chinese born people who live in Australia," said Balding.

The growth in the Chinese market in recent years has been very strong and is of increasing importance to Sydney’s tourism industry. The number of Chinese arrivals into Sydney has increased from 147,148 in 2004 to 282,641 in 2010, according to airport data.

"This is exceptional growth that shows a near doubling of passenger numbers in just a few years," added Balding. “The 2010 figures on flights to China including both Australians outbound and Chinese inbound show exceptional growth at 26.2% over the numbers for 2009.”