Melbourne Airport has announced that Shenzhen Airlines has selected Melbourne as its first and only Australian destination.
Starting December 23, direct flights between Shenzhen, China, and Melbourne will operate three times a week.
These flights will use an Airbus A330-300, adding over 95,000 seats annually to Melbourne’s international travel capacity.
This latest development strengthens Melbourne’s position as a key global gateway and enhances travel and trade connections between Victoria and China.
Shenzhen Airlines as 40th International Carrier
As a proud member of Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines ranks as China’s fifth-largest airline. It becomes Melbourne Airport’s 40th international carrier and the tenth Chinese airline to operate from the airport.
With a fleet of over 230 aircraft, Shenzhen Airlines serves nearly 40 million passengers each year. Its extensive network covers more than 90 destinations. This includes domestic routes across China and international flights to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
This new route opens up a wealth of travel opportunities for passengers and businesses alike.
Melbourne Airport has seen remarkable growth in passenger numbers. In July, the international terminal recorded its busiest month ever, with 1,042,522 passengers passing through.
This marks a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic travel also surged, with a 5.4% rise in passengers, totalling 2,152,650 for the month.
The school holiday period played a significant role in boosting these figures, highlighting Melbourne’s appeal as a travel hub.
Jim Parashos, Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Aviation, emphasized the significance of this new partnership. “Shenzhen Airlines’ decision to launch flights to Melbourne underscores our airport’s growing appeal to international carriers,” he said.
“This milestone reflects the strength of Melbourne’s aviation market and the value of Open Skies agreements. These agreements foster competition and provide more choices for travellers.”
“Shenzhen is a dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and as a global hub for technology, electronics, and manufacturing. This route will create new opportunities for Victorian businesses to connect directly with this thriving market.”
Parashos also acknowledged the support of the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria in expanding the state’s global connections.
Melbourne Airport Upgrades
To meet rising demand, Melbourne Airport is investing in major infrastructure upgrades. Starting next year, the airport will relocate its drop-off and pick-up zones to the T123 carpark.
This change will free up space in the forecourt, allowing for a much-needed expansion of the international terminal to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Na Na, Vice President of Shenzhen Airlines, highlighted the importance of the new route. “The Shenzhen-Melbourne direct flight is a key step in our global strategy,” she said. “It serves as a vital link between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Victoria.”
“Our partnership with Melbourne Airport will strengthen trade, education, and cultural exchanges. This route will offer a convenient and comfortable travel option for thousands of passengers, fostering closer ties between our regions.”
Conclusion
The launch of Shenzhen Airlines’ direct flights marks a significant milestone for Melbourne Airport. It reinforces the city’s role as Australia’s 24/7 international gateway and supports Victoria’s growing global network.
With enhanced connectivity, travellers and businesses can look forward to new opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and growth.