• New Chengdu service for Sydney Airport launched today
• Service 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 routes, serving 13 Chinese cities by the end of November

Sydney’s first direct route from China’s fourth largest international airport touched down at Sydney Airport today.

Air China’s Chengdu-Sydney route is operated by A330-200 aircraft with 237 seats, with three weekly services.

“We’re delighted to welcome this new service to Sydney Airport, which provides direct access from western China and furthers our position as the world’s leading long haul airport for Chinese destinations,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“By the end of this month, Sydney Airport will have seven airlines flying to 13 Chinese cities. This service will bring 23,000 Chinese visitors and $89 million per year to the NSW visitor economy, and provides a key link to the business hub of western China.

“As one of the fastest developing cities in the world, Chengdu is also an appealing tourist destination, famous for its giant pandas.”

Air China Sydney General Manager Mr Jie Rui welcomed the new route.

“As the first Chinese airline to operate into Australia – and having flown between China and Australia for the last 32 years – Air China has seen firsthand the increasingly strong growth and development of services between our countries,” he said.

“With increasing demand from both the business and leisure market, Air China knows the introduction of the direct Sydney to Chengdu service will help support this demand.

“Chengdu is Air China’s second biggest hub. After our services to Frankfurt and Paris, this new route is Air China’s third intercontinental flight from Chengdu, and is also the first nonstop service between Chengdu and Sydney.”

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the new service will be promoted by Destination NSW, in partnership with Air China and other trade partners to drive visitation.

“NSW is committed to improving access to Sydney and our regions for Chinese passengers, who are our fastest growing and largest inbound visitor market,” Mr Ayres said.

“To June this year, NSW welcomed 639,000 visitors from China, up 21 per cent on the previous year and it shows no sign of slowing down.