SriLankan Airlines launches Colombo-Melbourne service
SriLankan Airlines launched its daily Colombo-Melbourne service on 29-Oct-2017, operating with A330 aircraft. SriLankan Airlines CEO Suren Ratwatte stated: "We have been extending our route network in a systemic manner throughout Asia - from the Middle East to the Far East - and can now provide Australian travellers excellent options in connectivity, with one-stop journeys to the most popular destinations via Colombo".
Beijing Capital Airlines launches Qingdao-Sydney service
Beijing Capital Airlines launched its four times weekly Qingdao-Sydney Kingsford Smith service with A330 aircraft on 29-Oct-2017. The carrier launched its first nonstop service between Shandong Province and Australia with Qingdao-Melbourne service in Sep-2016.
LATAM launches Santiago-Melbourne service
LATAM Airlines Group launched its three times weekly Melbourne-Santiago service with two class 304 seat Boeing 787-9 aircraft, effective 06-Oct-2017. The carrier estimates handling 77,000 passengers per annum on the new route. LATAM CEO Enrique Cueto stated: "LATAM not only demonstrates its commitment to Australia and Asia-Pacific, but also to offering unrivalled connectivity to, from and within Latin America". LATAM also operates daily Santiago-Auckland-Sydney service, handling approximately 190,000 passengers p/a.
JETGO Australia Airlines launches Wollongong-Melbourne service
JETGO Australia Airlines launched its Wollongong-Melbourne service on 30-Oct-2017. The route operates between Illawarra Regional Airport and Melbourne Essendon Airport.
Hainan Airlines launches Shenzhen-Brisbane service
Hainan Airlines launched its twice weekly Shenzhen-Brisbane service on 21-Sep-2017, operating with A330 aircraft. Brisbane Airport Corporation acting CEO Stephen Goodwin welcomed Hainan Airlines, saying the route was highly significant, underpinning the very strong connection and the long term relationship Shenzhen has with Brisbane. This marks Shenzhen Airport's ninth intercontinental and fourth Oceania nonstop service.
Tigerair Australia launches Brisbane-Canberra service
Tigerair Australia launched its three times weekly Brisbane-Canberra service on 14-Sep-2017. The new service operates for a midmorning departure from Brisbane and a lunchtime departure from Canberra.
Japan Airlines launches daily Tokyo Narita-Melboune Tullamarine service
Japan Airlines launched its daily Tokyo Narita-Melbourne Tullamarine service on 01-Sep-2017, operating with Boeing 787 aircraft, as confirmed by Melbourne Airport. This marks JAL's second international service launch since it completed rehabilitation in Mar-2017 and the carrier's second destination in Australia. JAL president Yoshiharu Ueki said the carrier hopes to "capture both business and tourism related demand" and is optimistic load factor will "certainly reach about 80%".