The Year of the Rat heralds new beginnings with direct Shanghai to Perth service
China Eastern Airlines' trial direct service between Perth and Shanghai is off to a flying start with the inaugural flight from Shanghai touching down this morning at Perth Airport.
The five-week seasonal trial will run over Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rat - connecting Western Australia to around 25 million people in Shanghai with three non-stop flights per week operating between Perth (PER) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer Kevin Brown said the trial non-stop service between Shanghai and Perth gives Western Australians an opportunity to experience Chinese New Year in Shanghai.
"Shanghai is now just 10 hours away on this non-stop flight from Perth, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the traditionally flamboyant and colourful celebration of the Chinese New Year," he said.
Mr Brown said the China Eastern service adds much needed seats to the market during this busy seasonal period which will hopefully result in a year-round service for Western Australia.
"As well as providing Western Australians with the chance to experience Shanghai, Perth Airport in partnership with the State Government and Tourism WA, is working hard to build the profile of Perth and Western Australia as a destination for Chinese visitors.
"Chinese visitation to WA has increased by 11.3 per cent to 66,700 visitors, and those visitors spent $280 million in WA. If the trial is successful and leads to the introduction of three weekly services year-round, it could mean an additional $40 million in tourism spend for the WA economy," Mr Brown said.
"If we can continue to grow the number of visitors to WA, the flow-on benefits for tourism operators, hotels, hospitality and retail outlets could be enormous.
"Fresh produce, business, education and leisure tourism are all key export focus areas and a direct link between Shanghai and Perth will undoubtedly further connect Western Australia and benefit the entire economy.
"It offers great potential for both tourism and business in Western Australia and we look forward to building a strong partnership with China Eastern Airlines to ensure the trial's success," Mr Brown said.
The airline will operate the service on an A330-200 which has 232 seats.
Flights MU265 and MU2666 will continue to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving into Perth at 9.50am and departing at 11.50am until Monday 17 February.