Hainan Airlines has become the seventh Chinese airline to resume services between mainland China and Melbourne International Airport (MEL) after Air China, Beijing Capital, China Eastern, China Southern, Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.
Hainan Airlines have deployed its A330-200 on the popular route adding 1200 weekly seats between China and Melbourne.
Welcoming Hainan Airlines back at Melbourne, Jim Parashos, Airport Chief, Melbourne Airport said: “Before the onset of COVID-19, the Chinese market was Victoria's biggest inbound market and the resumption of Hainan Airlines services will help rebuild our tourism and educational sectors. One of the current barriers to a full recovery is the lack of group travel from China but we are hopeful of a resumption in the coming months, so the additional capacity that Hainan brings will be essential for the inevitable future growth in the demand.”
In just a little over six months, the Chinese tourists are in third largest majority passing through Melbourne Airport.