• New airline and two new mainland China routes for Sydney Airport
• Fuzhou and Xiamen services to boost tourism to Sydney and NSW
• Sydney Airport the world's leading airport for Chinese long haul airlines

Xiamen Airlines has today touched down at Sydney Airport, launching its Fuzhou and Xiamen to Sydney services.

The three-weekly Fuzhou-Sydney service commenced today. The twice-weekly Xiamen-Sydney service commences on 6 December, increasing to four services per week in February for the busy Chinese New Year period.

'Sydney is the gateway to Australia for Chinese travellers, so we're thrilled to welcome Xiamen Airlines to Sydney Airport, providing the 38 million residents of China's Fujian Province with a direct route to Sydney and NSW,' Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

'This new airline, with two new mainland China routes, will boost tourism in our city and state. Xiamen Airlines is expected to bring an additional 36,000 Chinese visitors to Sydney each year, contributing an anticipated $136 million in additional annual visitor expenditure to NSW.

'It's also great news for trade, as the new services provide additional business connectivity and investment links to China for Australian businesses and exporters.'

Both Xiamen Airlines routes will be operated by state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, offering a comfortable in-flight experience for business and leisure passengers.

'Fujian has a close relationship with Australia in terms of economic and trade cooperation,' Xiamen Airlines Chairman and CEO Che Shanglun said.

'Xiamen Airlines' two new flights from Fuzhou and Xiamen to Sydney will further benefit our bilateral cooperation and communication by providing a direct link between the cities for Chinese and Australian travellers.'

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said China is the largest inbound tourism market in NSW with 526,000 Chinese visitors last financial year - an increase of 24 per cent on the previous year.

'We are delighted to welcome the first Xiamen Airlines flight to Sydney today and for the opportunity to showcase our beautiful city, award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and surrounding regions to Chinese visitors as a result of our partnership with Xiamen Airlines,' Mr Ayres said.

Xiamen Airlines will be Sydney Airport's fifth Chinese mainland airline serving destinations across mainland China. Sydney Airport is the world's leading airport for Chinese long haul airlines, with six carriers serving eight mainland Chinese cities by the end of this year.

Sydney Airport has implemented a range of China ready initiatives to welcome Chinese passengers, including Mandarin speaking Airport Ambassadors, information available in simplified Chinese, acceptance of Union Pay, support of events such as Lunar New Year, and tailored retail, food and beverage offerings.

Contact:

Sydney Airport media

(02) 9667 6470 or 0437 033 479

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