DALLAS — Privately owned Chinese airline and Star Alliance connecting partner Juneyao Air (HO) announced today that it would add two new routes to its Asia-Pacific network: Shanghai to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), and Shanghai to Melbourne (MEL).

Which airport HO will fly out of Shanghai from, SHA or PVG, has yet to be announced, as the airline serves both Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA).

Juneyao Air President, Mr Chengji Yu expressed optimism at the new launch into Sydney, saying that he looks “forward to bringing our own unique brand to the route utilising our new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and trust the people of Sydney will enjoy this new direct service into our Shanghai home and beyond through our China network.” 

Starting Schedule

Shanghai to Sydney will be flown nonstop four times a week, starting on December 17, 2024. According to SYD, HO’s additional route will make SYD the Australian airport with the highest seat capacity to Mainland China. 53,000 weekly seats will become available, making it 101 percent of December 2019 levels.

Two days later, Shanghai to Melbourne will commence on December 19, 2024, operating three weekly flights. However, during peak periods of January and February, which coincide with Chinese New Year (which begins on January 29), to meet high demand, these flights will become daily.

Both routes will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which has 29 business class, and 295 economy class seats; totaling at 324.