Hainan Airlines launches service from Xi'an to Sydney

SYDNEY, Dec. 24 (People’s Daily Online) -- Hainan Airlines touched down at Sydney Airport on December 24, 2015, marking the official launch of its twice weekly Xi'an-Sydney service in time for the travel rush during the Lunar New Year period.

“Xi’an was the starting point of the ancient silk road. It is within the central area of the Silk Road Economic Belt” said Ms Wang Hongbo, Commercial Counselor of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney.

“Today’s inaugural flight cannot come at a better time. Four days ago, China and Australia implemented the free trade agreement. The implementation of ChAFTA (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement) will create new opportunities for China and Australia in all areas in 2016,” she said.

“Sydney Airport’s pleased to welcome Hainan Airlines’ twice weekly service from Xi’an to Sydney, marking our sixth new airline in 2015 and making us the world’s leading airport for Chinese long haul carriers,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Hainan Airlines' arrival is great news for tourism in Sydney and NSW, with an expected $26.5 million in additional annual visitor expenditure. Hainan Airlines will also provide Sydneysiders with a direct route to the home of the Terracotta Warriors in China,” she said.

Mr Zhang Jiuhua, Hainan Airlines Vice Director for Xi’an said that following the Belt and Road initiative, Hainan Airlines’ new route connects Northwest China with Oceania for the first time. With a young and well-appointed aircraft fleet, Hainan Airlines has won five consecutive global SKYTRAX five-star airline ratings. Xi’an offers travelers a 72-hour visa free period which coupled with direct Xi’an to Rome and Paris services, makes it an attractive stopover for Australians travelling to Europe.

Mr Li Huaxin, Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney, Mr Luo Weijian, Director of China National Tourist Office Sydney, and other Australian and Chinese guests also attended the event.