Annastacia Palaszczuk pushes for new direct China flights on trade mission

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has used a meeting with one of China’s largest airlines to push for new direct flight routes.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is on a five-day trade mission to China.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has used a meeting with one of China’s largest airlines to push for new direct flight routes.

It comes after China Eastern resumed direct Shanghai to Brisbane flights last week in a move set to generate $314 million for the economy.

Ms Palaszczuk and a delegation of Queensland tourism and travel officials met with executives from China Eastern.

According to the state government the company’s executive vice-president Mr Wan Qingchao told Ms Palaszczuk how highly regarded Queensland locations, like the Gold Coast and Cairns, were to Chinese travellers.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic China was Queensland’s largest market by expenditure and visitation, with 497,000 visitors spending $1.61 billion in overnight visitor spend with an average stay of 19.7 days.

Ms Palaszczuk said more direct flights to and from Queensland would open the door to “more good jobs for Queenslanders and opportunities for produce to be exported”

“As Sister States (with Shanghai), this meeting is an important acknowledgment of our commitment to boost trade and tourism between our nations,” she said.

“As one of China’s main airlines there are opportunities as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels for other Queensland destinations to come online, including in the regions.

“I am confident today’s meeting will pave the way for more services in Queensland and importantly returning services to Cairns.

“We welcome increased trade opportunities between Shanghai, China and Queensland whether that be goods, services, tourists, students or business visitors.”