Pilotcenter.net News: China Southern Expands Its Reach Across the Pacific

China Southern is broadening its horizons with the recent launch of seasonal services to Perth Airport (PER) and a successful test flight to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Commencing on November 30, 2025, the airline, based in Guangzhou, will offer seasonal flights to Perth three times a week utilizing its Boeing 787-9 fleet. Reece Whitby, the Honorable Tourism Minister of Western Australia, expressed his enthusiasm over the revival of China Southern's seasonal service, highlighting it as a vital link between China and Western Australia. Whitby emphasized that China continues to be a significant international market for Western Australia and the direct seasonal service will facilitate Chinese visitors in exploring the state's exceptional attractions and natural landscapes.

Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport's Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, mentioned that while China Southern initially plans to operate the thrice-weekly service until March 2026, discussions are ongoing with the State Government to potentially enhance the flight frequency in the future. Holsgrove stressed the importance of China as Western Australia's fourth largest international market, with 68,000 visitors in 2024 contributing $302 million to the local economy. She added that strengthening direct aviation connections with China is a key priority for the state's tourism industry, collaborating closely with Tourism Western Australia to reintroduce direct flights between Perth and mainland China, benefiting tourism, business, exports, and education sectors.

In a separate endeavor, on April 29, 2025, China Southern successfully completed a test flight to Port Vila in Vanuatu, using a Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft and carrying 30 passengers. The flight made a stopover at Port Moresby International Airport (POM) in Papua New Guinea. A Vanuatu Daily Post report from July 2024 revealed plans for Vanuatu and China to sign an Air Transportation Agreement to improve flight connectivity between the two countries, boosting trade, tourism, and fostering stronger interpersonal relationships. Although regular flight schedules between China and Vanuatu are not yet established, a second test flight was conducted on May 6, 2025, signaling further efforts to enhance aerial links between the nations.