Juneyao Airlines to Launch Direct Shanghai-Sydney Flights in December 2024

Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines is set to expand its international footprint by launching direct flights from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). The new service, which will operate four times a week, is scheduled to commence on December 17, 2024, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and Sydney Airport.

This new route will make Juneyao Airlines the ninth mainland Chinese carrier to connect Sydney Airport with China, further strengthening the air travel links between the two countries. In addition to the Sydney route, Juneyao Airlines will also begin flights to Melbourne Airport (MEL) just two days later, on December 19, 2024. This dual expansion will be the airline’s first foray into the Australian market, with Sydney being the inaugural Australian destination to welcome Juneyao Air.

The Shanghai to Sydney flights will be operated using Juneyao Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a modern and efficient aircraft configured with 324 seats. The seating arrangement includes 29 business class seats and 295 economy class seats, offering a comfortable travel experience for both business and leisure passengers.

With the launch of Juneyao Airlines’ services in December 2024, Sydney Airport will cement its position as the leading Australian airport for flights to mainland China. According to Sydney Airport, the introduction of Juneyao’s flights will push the airport’s seat capacity to mainland China to 101% of December 2019 levels, with a total of 53,000 weekly seats available. This increase underscores the growing demand for travel between China and Australia, especially as international travel continues to recover post-pandemic.

The announcement comes shortly after Australian flag carrier Qantas suspended its Sydney to Shanghai route on July 28, 2024, citing low market demand since the resumption of flights after the COVID-19 pandemic. The entry of Juneyao Airlines into the market is seen as a timely addition, providing travelers with more options and increasing competition on this important international route.

Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership with Juneyao Airlines. “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,” Charlton said in a statement.

He further highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, “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.”

Chengji Yu, President of Juneyao Airlines, also expressed optimism about the new route. “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,” Yu commented.

As Juneyao Airlines prepares to enter the Australian market, travelers can look forward to more choices and enhanced connectivity between Australia and China, further bolstering tourism and business ties between the two nations.