With the addition of Juneyao Air, Sydney Airport's seat capacity to mainland China has reached an all-time high, surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019.

Juneyao Air, the ninth Chinese mainland carrier to operate at Sydney Airport, will offer four weekly direct flights between Sydney and Shanghai.

The inaugural flight, designated HO1669, from Shanghai arrived at Sydney Airport at 6:30 AM on December 17, 2024.

Starting December 19, 2024, Juneyao Air will also begin flights to Melbourne, further enhancing connections between Australia and China.

Sydney Airport executive Scott Charlton highlighted that these new services expand travel options for passengers from mainland China, reinforcing Sydney's role as a key gateway to Australia.

The increase in international flight services is anticipated to significantly benefit the Victorian economy, with each daily international flight valued at approximately $154 million.

This surge in capacity is expected to positively impact New South Wales' $50 billion annual visitor economy, according to Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham.

Graham also emphasized the critical role of expanded aviation capacity in boosting tourism and supporting the 117,000 businesses within the sector.

Juneyao Air's entry into the Australian market marks its first flights to the country, providing new connections to various destinations in China.

Founded in 2006, Juneyao Air became the first privately owned Chinese airline to operate intercontinental flights in 2019, beginning with routes to Helsinki.