The Territorys first-ever direct air service from China is starting to achieve results, bringing more Chinese visitors here and delivering significant flow-on benefits into the economy.
Performance highlights include:
- From 30 May to the end of September 2018, Donghai Airlines has carried 2,918 passengers.
- 56%, or 1,647 passengers were on inbound flights into Darwin. Assuming 90% of these travellers were Chinese, and using an average spend of $1,638 per Chinese visitor*, these flights have brought $2.43 million in new visitor expenditure into the Territory - this is additional money that would not be coming into the Territory economy if not for these flights.
- During the first five months of services, Donghai Airlines has spent over $500,000 in staff accommodation and services, ground handling and fuel in Darwin. This is further new money into the local economy.
- Donghai Airlines started on 30 May 2018, with a two per week service, increased flights to three per week during the month of August and had an extra flight on 1 October as these aligned with peak holiday periods in China.
While it will take time to build sustainable demand for direct travel between China and Darwin, early signs from the Donghai service are positive. Tourism NT is supporting the service with investment in inbound tourism marketing activities.
In market activity undertaken in Darwin by NT Airports to build outbound travel has included an airfreight seminar, travel agent familiarisation and sponsorship of various charities, business events and radio competitions.
The Chinese New Year (CNY) period (normally in February) is a peak period of inbound activity to Australia. Similarly to the national trend, Chinese arrivals into Darwin for CNY 2019 are expected to swell and provide a welcome boost to the city during what is traditionally a quieter time for tourism operators.
To book to Shenzhen: online www.global.donghaiair.com or www.trip.com; visit your local travel agent HelloWorld, QBT or Top Oz Travel; or call 1800 905 614.
As noted by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss
The direct Donghai Airlines service between Shenzhen and Darwin is a game changer. The service has the potential to deliver over 31,000 additional seats and up to $32 million into the economy per year.
Donghai Airlines has secured its flights between Shenzhen and Darwin up until October 2019 and has now received its International Air Transport Association code which means for the first time Australian travel agents can have access to book the flight. This is anticipated to result in more air tickets purchased by Territorians.
The cooperative marketing activity includes a campaign with Xinhua International Travel Service and a high-profile Planet Institute WeChat promotion.
Shenzhen TV filmed in the Top End in October 2018, with the footage broadcast on Donghai flights and Shenzhen TV.
Donghai Airlines have advised my Department that the Darwin service has exceeded initial expectations.
More flights, more choice and more people, means more jobs. Turbocharging tourism flow-on benefits are evident, rippling through many of our industry sectors including retail, hospitality, resources, transport and construction.
As noted by Chief Executive Officer, Darwin International Airport, Ian Kew
NT Airports will continue to work with Donghai Airlines and local travel agents to grow the passenger numbers on these services, and moreover diversify and grow our international offerings for locals.
Shenzhen has a lot of appeal as a tourism destination including shopping, the world famous Mission Hills Golf Resort and with Hong Kong only a short 40 minute train ride away, a family holiday to Disneyland is now on our doorstep.
We expect more competitive airfares and packages together with more efficient on-line booking methods will be launched by Donghai Airlines in the New Year and will be available through local travel agents.
