China Southern Airlines to Resume Services between Adelaide and Guangzhou from December 2024: New Updates You Need to Know
In a significant development for international travel and tourism in South Australia, Adelaide Airport has made the exciting announcement that China Southern Airlines will be resuming its much-anticipated services to Guangzhou, starting December 12, 2024. This move is poised to reconnect South Australia with one of its largest international tourism markets after a hiatus caused by the global pandemic.
The service, which was initially launched in December 2016 and halted in March 2020 due to global health concerns, will see the Shanghai-based airline offering three direct flights per week. These flights will bridge Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) with Adelaide Airport (ADL), utilizing the carrier’s fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
The tourism and economic implications of this resumption are substantial, with the service estimated to contribute over $69 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, it’s expected to create more than 255 full-time equivalent jobs in tourism-related sectors in South Australia. As one of China’s largest airlines, China Southern’s extensive fleet of over 900 aircraft will play a crucial role in facilitating this significant economic contribution.
The flights are not only aimed at serving point-to-point traffic between Adelaide and Guangzhou but will also provide seamless connections to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America through China Southern’s global network. The service is scheduled with flight CZ663 departing from Guangzhou every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 22:15, arriving in Adelaide the following day at 09:55. The return flight, CZ664, will leave Adelaide at 11:30 and reach Guangzhou at 18:05.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome China Southern back to reconnect Adelaide with mainland China,” remarked Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport. He emphasized the benefits of stimulating travel, generating trade, connecting communities, and growing the state’s economy as key outcomes of this service resumption.
Moreover, the widebody Dreamliner’s capacity to carry South Australian goods such as fresh seafood and produce directly to Guangzhou was highlighted as a significant advantage for local exporters. This reestablishment of direct air links is seen as a “massive win” for the state’s tourism and trade sectors by Peter Malinauskas, South Australian Premier, who anticipates the move to inject millions of dollars into the economy annually.
Reflecting on the wider impact of this service, Zhixing Sun, Regional General Manager of China Southern Airlines Australia and New Zealand, shared insights into the airline’s internationalization strategy initiated in 2009. The Guangzhou to Adelaide route represents a critical component of this strategy, leveraging Guangzhou as a pivotal passenger hub that connects China with major cities globally. Sun expressed eagerness in strengthening cooperation with various sectors in South Australia to expand the ‘Canton Route,’ thereby attracting more travelers from China and other parts of the world to South Australia.
With a configuration accommodating 266 passengers, comprising 18 in business class and 248 in economy, China Southern’s fleet of 787-8s is set to offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience. This marks a promising development for the restoration of international travel connections and economic revitalization for the region, as both passengers and goods can once again move freely between Adelaide and Guangzhou, fostering stronger ties and mutual growth.
