A trial of direct flights between Shanghai and Perth is a real possibility following a successful meeting between Premier Mark McGowan and the Chairman of China Eastern Airlines.
The meeting in Shanghai yesterday (November 14) resulted in China Eastern Airlines indicating a trial of direct flights could begin as early as October next year.
Currently China Eastern only flies to Eastern States cities and the WA Government has engaged in a high level push to secure direct flights to Perth, in an effort to increase visitation, boost Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.
China Eastern Airlines is globally the seventh biggest airline, with Chairman Liu Shaoyong expressing confidence in Western Australia as a future growth market for the major airline.
Mr McGowan and Mr Papalia have now arrived in Japan as part of the official mission, to continue trade discussions in an effort to secure direct flights between Japan and Perth.