Australia is most popular long-haul market for Chinese airlines while USA is the largest

The decision by Hainan Airlines to re-enter the Australian market means it will be the sixth Chinese airline to serve Australia. China has seven long-haul carriers as of Sep-2015, and Australia is their most frequent destination. They serve Australia from nine points in China compared to linking Western Europe with 14 Chinese cities.

After Australia are Canada and Russia, which each receive service from five Chinese airlines. Four airlines serve or intend to shortly open service to each of France, Germany, Italy, the UAE and USA. An abnomaly may be found in the UK, which has service from only three Chinese carriers. London is the prized destination for Southeast Asia's growing airlines: Garuda, PAL and Vietnam Airlines. But challenges with visas, in addition to Heathrow slots and high departure taxes, limit opportunities. Despite a record number of outbound Chinese tourists in 2014, the UK saw a decrease in Chinese visitors.