China Southern Boosts Melbourne/Guangzhou Flights
China’s largest airline, China Southern (CZ), has added a third weekly flight from Melbourne to Guangzhou (formerly Canton).
The new schedule, which introduces a Saturday departure, will be introduced in two phases.
Until 26 October 2009, flights will depart Melbourne at 7.05 am on Monday, Thursday and Saturday morning, flying via Sydney to Guangzhou at 5.00pm local time.
From 26 October onwards the three flights will operate nonstop, leaving Melbourne at the new time of 10.40 am, still arriving in Guangzhou at 5.00pm local time.
Passengers will be able to connect with onward China Southern throughout China and beyond to other destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
All flights from Melbourne will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, capable of seating up to 264 passengers – 24 in Premium Business Class and 240 in Economy.
“China is a major business destination and a rapidly developing tourism market,” said James Liu, General Manager Australia for China Southern Airlines.
“The introduction of a third weekly flight from Melbourne to Guangzhou, and the move to nonstop flights from late October reflects our confidence in the Victorian market. It also provides not only additional seats for business and holiday travellers to China and beyond, but additional air cargo space for exporters.”
To accommodate expected growth, the carrier has now appointed Adam Zhang as General Manager Melbourne, and Deputy General Manager Australia, the widely experienced executive will be responsible for the airline’s operations in Melbourne, including all passenger and cargo sales activities in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
