Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines announced that it will launch direct flights from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD).
The four-times weekly flights will commence on December 17, 2024, making Juneyao Airlines the ninth mainland-based carrier to connect Sydney Airport with China.
Sydney will also become the first airport in Australia to welcome Juneyao Air. The airline will commence flights to Melbourne Airport (MEL) two days later on December 19, 2024.
The Shanghai to Sydney flights will be operated using the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft, configured with 324 seats: 29 in business class and 295 in economy.
With the commencement of Juneyao’s services in December 2024, Sydney Airport said it will offer the highest seat capacity to mainland China of any Australian airport. According to the airport, Juneyao’s entry will also push seat capacity from Sydney into mainland China to 101% of December 2019 levels, with 53,000 weekly seats.
On July 28, 2024, Australian flag carrier Qantas suspended its services from Sydney to Shanghai, citing low market demand since resuming flights after the pandemic.
“We are proud to welcome Juneyao Air to Sydney Airport, the home of Chinese airlines in Australia. The introduction of Juneyao’s services in December provides passengers from mainland China with unprecedented choice and convenience when traveling to Sydney,” Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport said in a statement.
“This expansion is a strong vote of confidence in Sydney as the premier gateway to Australia and underscores the enduring appeal of New South Wales to Chinese travelers. We’re especially pleased to have worked in partnership with Destination NSW and the NSW Government to deliver this service,” Charlton added.
“We look forward to bringing our own unique brand to the route utilizing our new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and trust the people of Sydney will enjoy this new direct service into our Shanghai home and beyond through our China network,” said Chengji Yu, President of Juneyao Airlines.