Summary Juneyao Airlines will launch flights between Shanghai and Melbourne starting December 19, 2024. Melbourne Airport's flexible 24/7 schedule attracts global airlines with new investment projects like baggage handling upgrades. CEO Lorrie Argus advocates for more air rights for international carriers to meet demand and welcomes Juneyao to Melbourne.
The extended travel restrictions in China put a handbrake on Australia's aviation post-pandemic recovery, and until those restrictions were removed entirely, international travel could not fully recover to 2019 levels. While navigating through the gradual loosening of restrictions, Melbourne Airport also worked closely with the major Chinese carriers to plan their return. The new airline at MEL On Monday, Melbourne Airport (MEL) announced that Juneyao Airlines, one of China's leading privately owned carriers, will launch flights between Shanghai and Melbourne.
Juneyao Airlines (Juneyao) currently operates to around 200 destinations in Asia and Europe, with a fleet of 92 aircraft, including Airbus A320 Family and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. Commencing on December 19, 2024, Juneyao will operate a base schedule of three weekly flights, increasing to a peak-season daily service in January and February. This is a significant success for Melbourne Airport as it marks the first time Juneyao has flown to Australia, and these new flights will push the airport's mainland Chinese seat capacity above pre-pandemic levels.
Melbourne Airp.