China Southern Airlines to touch down in Adelaide for first time since pandemic

Jubilant ministers have welcomed the return of China Southern Airlines flights to Adelaide – while dropping a jumbo hint about the resumption of international Qantas flights.

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A party atmosphere has welcomed the return of China Southern Airlines flights to Adelaide.

Flight CZ 663 from Guangzhou arrived on time at 9:55am marking the resumption of services that were suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

The “almost full” Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 was welcomed by dignitaries and a cake cutting ceremony featuring cakes decorated with pandas and kangaroos.

China Southern will be flying three times per week between Guangzhou and Adelaide until March 1, 2025 with a view to returning to year round services as demand increases.

The first China Southern flight makes its return to Adelaide. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the return of China Southern would further grow tourism and trade and followed the resumption of Emirates flights in October.

“To welcome back our second major international airline in less than two months is a clear sign South Australia is open for business and tourists, with these direct flights set to drive international visitation while reducing cost and travel time,” she said.

“This is an excellent day – we are more connected to the world than ever before.”

Trade Minister Joe Szakacs said the flights would have 45 tonnes of cargo space for local exporters to fill each week with products including citrus fruit and lobsters.

“China is South Australia’s largest two way trading partner and our government values this important partnership and will continue to deepen engagement to deliver future opportunities that benefit the state,” he said.

“Our exports to China have never been higher, worth $4.4bn to the state economy over the past year and this direct route provides another opportunity for our exporters to enter a market cheaper, quicker and more efficiently.”

Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox noted the flights are an essential link in the airport’s network vision.

“The return of China Southern is also a significant stimulus for our exporters at a time when trade restrictions between China and Australia on products such as beef and lobsters have recently been lifted,” he said.

He added a big hint about Qantas: “I am very confident with Qantas (resuming international flights from Adelaide) it is not if but when.”

Non-stop China Southern flights will leave every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Guangzhou at 11.15pm (local time) and arrive in Adelaide by 9.55am.

Guangzhou bound flights will leave Adelaide at 11.30am and arrive by 6.05pm.

China Southern Airlines will also enable more connections between South Australia and Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.

China Southern general manager Australia and New Zealand, Mr Zhixing Sun, said the airline is looking forward to strengthening the cooperation with various sectors in South Australia “ And bring more travellers from China and around the world to South Australia.”

China Southern’s return to Adelaide follows the resumption of Emirates flights in October. Picture: Brenton Edwards

In September, Premier Peter Malinauskas said the relaunch would see “millions of dollars injected into our state” every year.

“Building airline capacity has been a priority for the government from the start, as we work to bring back international visitors in South Australia who are not just here for a holiday, but those ready to invest in businesses, education, and exports,” Mr Malinauskas said.

China Southern Airlines will also enable more connections between South Australia and Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.

The airline first launched their services in December 2016, before operations were halted.