Sydney Airport to welcome Sichuan Airlines

• Sichuan Airlines to launch a new Chongqing-Sydney service on 20 December
• New airline and new route for Sydney Airport
• Direct access to western China from Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is set to welcome a new airline and a new non-stop service, with Sichuan Airlines commencing a twice weekly Chongqing-Sydney service on 20 December.

“We’re thrilled that Sichuan Airlines has chosen Sydney Airport as its latest destination,” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather, said.

“Sichuan Airlines will operate twice weekly flights with its Airbus A330-200 aircraft, providing more than 50,000 seats per year on the important Chongqing-Sydney route.

“Chongqing is a major manufacturing centre, transportation hub and one of China’s emerging megacities. With around 30 million residents, the city has a greater population than Australia.

“Sydney is a fantastic destination for Sichuan Airlines, as it’s Australia’s tourism and business capital, and home to almost half of all Chinese-born people in Australia.

“This new route further strengthens Sydney Airport’s status as Australia’s gateway to China, with services to all the major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and soon Chongqing in western China.

“Chinese passengers are our fastest growing passenger group and we expect this new service to further stimulate growth.

“By the end of the year, we’ll have 95 flights per week offered by nine carriers to greater China, increasing to 100 flights per week for the peak summer season early next year.

“We’re ready to welcome more Chinese passengers, with initiatives including Chinese language apps and website, wayfinding signage, Chinese speaking ambassadors and specialised retail offerings.”

Bookings for the new Sichuan Airlines service are now open.

The flight schedule to Sydney is on Tuesdays and Fridays:

Flight 3U605 CKG 0100 – SYD 1400

Flight 3U606 SYD 2145 – CKG 0445+1