China Southern Airlines increases flights from Australia to China

China Southern Airlines has introduced a third weekly Boeing 777 flight from Australia to Guangzhou.

The new service operates every Tuesday from Melbourne and Sydney to Guangzhou, complementing the airlines' current Thursday flight on the same route, and Sunday service from Sydney only.

"The addition of a third weekly flight reflects a return to growth in the passenger and freight markets, after recent global crises," said China Southern's General Manager Australia, Ms Annie Ye.

"Passenger numbers from Australia to China are again showing encouraging growth, as are our inbound services from Guangzhou, now that travel restrictions have been eased," said Ms Ye.

"We are also seeing increased interest from New Zealand, where passengers now have the opportunity to take an early morning flight to Sydney, where they can then connect with our mid morning flights to China."

Ms Ye said the increased flights were excellent news not just for business and leisure travellers from Australia, but for the Australian tourism industry as the inbound market from China again begins to grow.

The new flights coincide with China Southern's recent announcement of a "buy one, get one free" Business Class fare of just $2780 for two people from Melbourne and Sydney to Guangzhou and Hong Kong, inclusive of all local taxes.

For an extra $200 - a total of $2980 - both passengers can also fly Economy Class from Guangzhou to either Beijing or Shanghai.

And for an extra $500 - or a total of $3280 - both passengers can fly China Southern's domestic Business Class to Beijing or Shanghai.

"For every Business Class fare purchased under this deal, a second person travels free," said Ms Ye.

"This is excellent value for money, and a great opportunity to experience both a great destination and a high quality airline."

China Southern operates Boeing 777-200 IGW (increased gross weight) aircraft between Australia and China. Within China, the carrier also operates a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus twinjets, and from the middle of next year China Southern will fly from the brand new Guangzhou Airport which has won numerous international design awards.

The 65-seat Business Class cabin on China Southern's Boeing 777 IGW aircraft is configured in a 2 x 3 x 2 seat layout, with a comfortable 101cm seat pitch, 120 degree seat recline, cushioned side-wing headrests for privacy and  comfort, a footrest, an IDD satellite telephone and an individual crystal video screen with nine movie channels.

A choice of gourmet meals and beverages is offered in Business Class, plus the latest newspapers from China and local press at the point of departure on services to China. Business Class passengers also receive a personal amenities kit, and have the use of dedicated check in counters and airside Business Class lounges at Sydney and Melbourne Airports.

The special Business Class fares are available on most flights until 31 March next year, with some peak season exceptions in October, and periodically between December and mid February."

They are available for a minimum stay of three days and a maximum stay of 45 days. Seats are limited at these prices, all Australian taxes are included in the price and some conditions apply.