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The Canton Route is up and running from today with China Southern Airlines launching three-weekly direct Airbus A330 services from Sydney and Melbourne to London, via its hub in Guangzhou (Old Canton). Pax on the first flights that left last night, will connect with CZ flight 303 departing Guangzhou at 9 o’clock this morning after a 3-hour stopover. With a flight time of under 26hrs, the airline says the new route opens up an alternate path and the most direct route geographically for Aussies travelling to the UK and Europe. The flight distance with CZ is 16,995km, while it’s more than 17,000km via Singapore or Dubai. CZ marked the occasion with a Yum Cha lunch in Sydney with Regional gm Aust/NZ, Henry He saying Australia is one of his airline’s most valued international markets and it was thrilled to be able to offer the service through its lively hub in southern China. “As Asia’s largest airline, we are doing things down here that are setting the momentum for our international expansion strategy, and a very important part of our new Canton route will be the introduction of transit visas of 48 or 72hrs to enable pax in both directions to break their journey and sample authentic Cantonese flavours, great shopping and the vibrant culture that thrives in the burgeoning Chinese city,” said Mr He. “And they’ll even get a taste of Old Canton onboard with the in-flight menus including Yum Cha dishes such as congee with BBQ pork buns and vegetable dumplings, Chinese-style pork soup and beef soup with noodles in First and Business Class,” he added. Economy Class Cantonese offerings include stir fried egg noodles with shredded beef and bok choy; and shredded chicken with vegetables and rice. Commenting on the new service, Tom Manwaring, ceo of Orient Express Travel Group said “it’s an alternative offering, a real plus for our clients with fares that are very competitive.” CZ’s return fares on the Canton Route are $1800 economy class and $5800 Business Class. |
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