CEA(SH:600115) Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-05-21 11:15Core Viewpoint - Australia has become a key destination for domestic airlines in China to restore and open new intercontinental routes post-pandemic, driven by changes in passenger demand and international route structures [1][5]. Group 1: Airline Operations - China Eastern Airlines plans to increase the frequency of its direct flights from Shanghai to Brisbane starting in late June, with an initial increase from three to four flights per week [1][4]. - Hong Kong Airlines will launch a direct flight from Hong Kong to Sydney on June 20, marking its second destination in Australia post-pandemic [1][4]. - A total of nine domestic airlines have prioritized Australia for resuming intercontinental routes, with China Eastern Airlines being the largest carrier by flight volume [4]. Group 2: Flight Volume and Recovery - In April, China Eastern Airlines' flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane increased by 10.7% year-on-year and by 12.59% compared to April 2019 [4]. - The flight volume of China Eastern, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines to Australia ranked them as the top three carriers, with some airlines exceeding pre-pandemic levels [4]. - Sichuan Airlines' flight volume has more than doubled compared to April 2019 [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The number of flights and passengers between China and Australia is currently unrestricted compared to routes to Europe and the US, making Australia a focal point for domestic airlines [5]. - The overall international flight volume has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, with recovery rates to Germany at 77.8%, France at 64%, and the US at only 26.4% [6][8]. - Domestic airlines are facing an oversupply of wide-body aircraft, prompting them to seek new intercontinental routes, particularly to Australia, where there are no restrictions on flight rights [8]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Tourism - The Queensland government has established the "Attracting International Aviation Investment Fund" (AAIF) worth AUD 200 million to encourage airlines to restore direct flights to Queensland [8]. - In 2019, China was the largest source of international visitors to Queensland, with 497,000 Chinese tourists generating AUD 1.61 billion in overnight visitor spending [8]. - As of the past year, Chinese visitors' overnight spending in Queensland reached AUD 916.1 million, re-establishing China as the top international consumer source for the region [8]. Group 5: Changing Travel Trends - Post-pandemic, the recovery of independent travel has outpaced that of group travel, with an increase in young and family travelers who have higher spending power [9]. - The implementation of transit visa exemptions and strategies like interline baggage handling and free overnight hotel stays are helping to attract more connecting passengers from regions like Japan and Europe to Australia [9].