New twice weekly service offers connections to Chongqing and Chengdu

Pictured: Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NEW, Kerrie Mather, CEO of Sydney Airport, and NSW Minister Victor Dominello, celebrate the launch with officials from Sichuan Airlines.

Sichuan Airlines has commenced its first ever flights to Sydney.

The Chinese carrier landed in the Australian city for the first time today (20 December 2013), marking the start of a new twice weekly service direct from Chongqing. Services will leave the Chinese city every Tuesday and Friday at 0100, getting into Sydney at 1400. The return leg will depart at 2145, getting back into Chongqing at 0445 the next morning.

Passengers also have the option of travelling onwards from Chongqing to Chengdu, after Sichuan Airlines recently resumed this domestic route as an extension of the Sydney service.

The inaugural flight was welcomed in Sydney by New South Wales’ Minister for Tourism & Major Events, George Souris.

“Western China is one of the most exciting growth markets in China for NSW tourism and Sichuan Airlines’ decision to increase flights to Sydney will support this growth,” Souris said.

“Strong growth in Chinese visitors to NSW is proof the NSW government’s China Tourism Strategy to increase visitor numbers from China is working. The strategy has been funded by the NSW government to the tune of AU$15 million (US$13.3m) over the next four years,” he added.

The route, which is operated using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, marks Sichuan Airlines’ second move into the Australian market. The carrier currently operates direct flights between Chengdu and Melbourne.

Source from <Travel Daily Asia>