Sichuan to start CTU MEL services next month

[markis10]

Update at 0930GMT 25JAN13*


Sichuan Airlines today (25JAN13) announced the launch of Chengdu – Melbourne route, where it’ll operate 3 weekly service with Airbus A330-200 aircraft, starting 28FEB13.


四川航空 2013年2月28日起, 开始飞航 成都–墨尔本 航线 每周3班, 使用A330-200客机飞航。


3U601 CTU0030 – 1410MEL 330 146
3U602 MEL1610 – 0030+1CTU 330 146

http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/25/...medium=social+media&utm_campaign=tweets130125

 

[moa999]

Sichuan Airlines is somewhat different in its ownership
40% local government
39% China Southern
10% Shanghai Airlines, which is 100% China Eastern
10% Shandong Airlines, which is independent
1% Gingko Restaurant !!

Despite the CZ/MU connections does not appear to be a member of SkyTeam

 

[Isochronous]

Good to see them choose MEL over SYD as well.

With the massive growth in the Chinese tourism market (both leisure and business), I think we will see more of these sorts of direct services to cities that aren't one of SHA/PEK/HKG open up. I spoke to some Australian bankers in PEK who mentioned to me that they had raised this announcement with QF, and that QF found it impossible to imagine Chengdu flights being profitable for 3U. I just wish QF would get the 787s early to pursue more opportunities like this, at a minimum raising HKG frequencies and then routings like MEL-PVG or PER-PVG.

 

[Timba-Jet]

Great to see another destination added where we can fly direct to out of Australia.

Chengdu does seem to increasing in prominence as a business and tourist destination.

 

[Isochronous]

I don't know much about Chengdu but everybody who I know that has done travelling in China recommends it.

 

[markis10]

I don't know much about Chengdu but everybody who I know that has done travelling in China recommends it.

If you have the time watch this, I caught it a few Thursdays ago on SBS!

SBS On Demand | TV and Online Video - Exploring China: A Culinary Adventure Ep2

 

[777]

Pandas and spicy food. What more could you want?