- Published:
- Wednesday 28 January 2015
Tourism and Major Events Minister, John Eren, today welcomed Air China’s plan to commence direct flights between Melbourne and Beijing.
The new flights, commencing 1 June 2015, will initially depart four times per week and increase to a daily service from 25 October 2015. Air China will continue to operate a direct Melbourne to Shanghai service.
The new direct Melbourne to Beijing service will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering 28 lie-flat bed business class seats and 199 economy class seats.
China is Victoria’s largest and most valuable source country for inbound international tourists, with 365,000 Chinese visitors travelling to the state in the 12 months to September 2014 and contributing more than $1.2 billion to the Victorian economy.
Melbourne Airport is serviced by 25 international airlines. More than 31 million passenger, including 7.7 million international passengers, passed through its terminals last financial year.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“This is a vote of confidence in Victorian tourism.”
“Air China’s plan brings one of the world’s biggest tourist markets even closer to our shores.”
“Chinese visitors to our state support local jobs and businesses and contribute billions to our economy.”