• New Chengdu service for Sydney Airport to significantly boost tourism and trade
• Expected to bring 23,000 Chinese visitors and $89 million in additional visitor expenditure per year
• Sydney Airport is the world’s leading airport for Chinese long haul airlines

Sydney Airport will welcome a new route when Air China launches its Chengdu-Sydney service on 12 November.

The route will be operated by A330-200 aircraft with 237 seats.

“We are very excited to welcome Air China’s new Chengdu service to Sydney, which is expected to bring 23,000 Chinese visitors and contribute around $89 million in additional visitor expenditure per year,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Not only will the new route boost tourism and trade to Sydney, but it will also provide a direct connection for Sydneysiders travelling to Chengdu, which is famous for its giant pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine.

“Sydney Airport is the world’s leading long haul airport for Chinese airlines, with six airlines serving 11 mainland Chinese cities.”

Air China General Manager Australia Mr Rui Jie said the airline was pleased to expand its Sydney services.

“This new route to Sydney marks Air China’s third intercontinental flight from Chengdu and our first non-stop service between western China and Oceania,” Mr Rui said.

“The Chengdu-Sydney service will facilitate further trade between Australia and western China, as Chengdu is the most economically dynamic city in western China with the most Fortune Global 500 companies.

“The new direct service will also make it more convenient for Australians visiting western China and the popular tourist destination of Chengdu.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said these new direct services contribute to the delivery of the China Tourism Strategy 2012-2020, which aims to grow visitation from second tier cites such as Chengdu through new aviation services.

“Western China is an exciting and important growth market for NSW tourism and we are delighted to promote Air China’s direct Chengdu to Sydney service through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“Establishing more direct routes from other major Chinese cities to Sydney and Regional NSW will allow more tourists to come and enjoy the natural beauty of our great State.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said Air China’s new Chengdu service highlighted the increasing importance of China’s secondary cities in driving Australia’s tourism growth.

“Many of Australia’s future tourism opportunities within the China market lie in the country’s second tier cities. Securing direct aviation access to cities like Chengdu through new services such as this provides a vital platform upon which to focus our marketing and distribution activities. This is great for Sydney and Australian tourism,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Chengdu is Air China’s second largest hub offering connections to over 47 destinations within China and international cities including Frankfurt, Paris and Rome*. The airline’s A330-200 business class cabin features 170 degree flat-bed seats, a state-of-the-art AVOD entertainment system and limousine service in Chengdu. Its economy class offers a 32 inch seat pitch.

Sydney Airport has implemented a China ready strategy to welcome Chinese passengers, the airport’s largest and fastest growing international visitor market based on residency. Initiatives include Mandarin speaking Airport Ambassadors, digital channels and wayfinding in simplified Chinese, acceptance of Union Pay, supporting events such as Lunar New Year, and tailored retail, food and beverage offerings.

Flight schedule

Sunday, Tuesday and Friday: CA429 Departs Chengdu at 2255, arrives in Sydney at 1235+1

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday: CA430 Departs Sydney 1435, arrives 2235 in Chengdu

*Stopover may be required in one direction.