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China Southern Airlines is set to bring back its seasonal Perth–Guangzhou service later this year.
The route, which previously operated in last year’s peak, will fly three times per week on 787-9 Dreamliners starting from 30 November. According to chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove, the airport is “working closely with Tourism WA to reconnect Perth to mainland China”.
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“Currently the airline has advised that it will operate the three weekly services until March 2026, however we are working closely with the State Government to further develop our partnership with China Southern Airlines so we can increase the frequency over the coming years,” she said.
“China currently represents Western Australia’s fourth largest international market by visitor number with 68,000 visitors in 2024, injecting $302 million into the economy – so increasing our capacity into China is an important objective for Western Australia’s tourism industry.
“We’re working closely with Tourism WA to reconnect Perth to mainland China as direct aviation connections will provide a boost across the tourism, business, export and educations sectors which will provide benefits to the entire economy.
“We also recently signed an important Sister Airport partnership with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport where we made commitments to collaborate and identify opportunities that will further connect our two cities, boosting tourism and trade and supporting economic development.”
WA’s Tourism Minister, Reece Whitby, said the route is “a valuable connection that continues to support the strong ties between Western Australia and China”.
“China remains one of WA’s key international visitor markets, and this seasonal direct service helps make it even easier for visitors from China to explore our state’s unique experiences and natural beauty,” he said.
“We hope to see this service continue to grow in the future, as we work together to strengthen aviation connectivity and create more opportunities for WA’s tourism industry.”
China Southern first flew to Perth in 2011 as part of the airline’s “Canton Route” international strategy launched in 2009. Speaking last year, the carrier’s regional general manager for Australia and NZ, Jason Sun, said returning to Perth is important to that strategy.
“In 2019, China Southern Airlines transported 47,900 passengers to Western Australia (Perth),” Sun said.
“China Southern Airlines is highly attentive to the recovery of the China-Australia market and the preparations for the resumption of the Perth route in the post-pandemic period.
“With this resumption, China Southern Airlines aims to strengthen the cooperation with the Western Australian government and Perth Airport, continuously enhancing the ‘Canton Route’ and bringing more passengers from around the world to facilitate China-Australia exchanges.”
