Chinese airline Juneyao Airlines has announced plans to launch new direct flights between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
The three-times-weekly flights will begin on December 19, 2024 and will be operated with the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. During the peak holiday season in January and February 2025, the schedule will be expanded to daily.
The aircraft has 29 business class seats and 295 economy class seats.
The flights are scheduled at the following times:
- Flight HO1655 Departure SHANGHAI (PVG) 17:30 local time, arrival MELBOURNE 07:00 local time the following day
- Flight HO1656 Departure MELBOURNE 09:00 local time Arrival SHANGHAI 16:10 local time
Melbourne Airport said accommodating the new airline would require investment in projects such as upgrading an international baggage system and adding a third runway.
“The selection of Melbourne as Juneyao Airlines’ first Australian destination is a strong vote of confidence in Victoria,” said Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport.
Although there is no confirmation yet, the airline network website AeroRoutes reported that the Shanghai-based carrier plans to also start flights to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) by December 2024.
