Chinese Airlines Boost Flight to Australia

Three of the largest airlines of China are interested to have more flights in Australia. From 14 flights a week, China Southern plans to increase to 55 flights in the next two years.

China Airlines plans to fly its Airbus 3300-200s from Guangzhou to four key destinations in Australia by end of 2013. He Zongkai, its executive vice president, said the company considers Australia to be its priority countries.

Zongkai said the company is prioritizing the upgrade of its products and aircrafts for the Australian routes. The executive vice president added that it would increase flight frequency and is likely to add Cairns, Adelaide and the Gold Coast as permanent destinations.

China also appears to be working on its tourist visa to entice more Australians to fly to Europe via southern China. Tourists are required to get a single-entry visa for $98 if they want to make a stopover.

Now, travellers can make a stopover in Shanghai or Beijing for 72 hours without the need to pay for visa. China Southern is also reported to work a similar arrangement for Guangzhou.