China Southern Airlines to increase flights between Australia - China

China Southern Airlines is to introduce a fourth weekly flight between Sydney and Guangzhou, China, starting 29 March, 2004.

The newest service, flight CZ 325, will operate every Saturday, departing Sydney at 9.50am and arriving in Guangzhou at 4.50pm.

In the new schedule, China Southern flies from Melbourne to Sydney and Guangzhou every Thursday and Sunday morning, and from Sydney every Tuesday and Saturday.

The airline operates Boeing 777 IGW twinjets configured to seat 292 passengers in a three-class cabin - 18 in Premium Business Class, 65 in Business Class and 207 in Economy Class. Every passenger has a personal video screen and an international direct dial satellite phone.

The airline's Regional Manager Australia, Ms Annie Ye, said: "China Southern is looking to grow to daily service between Australia and China, as commerce and tourism between the two countries continued to grow strongly.

"China is one of the world's fastest growing economies," said Ms Ye. "It is also one of the world's fastest growing tourism destinations and one of the largest sources of tourists and Australia is becoming increasingly popular as a destination to visit.

"From our hub in Guangzhou, we operate flights to a range of destinations within China, including connections between our Australian flights and onward services to or from cities including Beijing and Shanghai.

"We are continuing to add new aircraft to our modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and our capabilities will increase again from late 2004 when the new Guangzhou International Airport opens, providing increased terminal capacity and efficient new passenger and baggage processing systems," added Ms. Ye.