Chinese carrier Sichuan Airlines is to launch a three times weekly link between its Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Melbourne Airport in Australia. 

The route announcement follows lees than six months after the two gateways announced a sister airport partnership during the Routes Asia conference, which was hosted by the Chinese city in April this year.

One of the ambitions of the agreement, developed to share expertise in operations, planning and retailing and best practice in areas such as route development was to secure this new direct service.

“China has driven international growth at Melbourne Airport over the last few years and will continue to do so.

“China is now our most important long-haul market,” said Chris Woodruff, chief executive, Melbourne Airport.

“With a population of over five million people, numerous spectacular natural attractions and cultural history dating back more than 2,300 years, Chengdu stands as one of China’s great cities and is now a major development hub for south west China with its aviation and transport infrastructure.”