China Southern Airlines has announced it will suspend its direct flights between Darwin and Guangzhou, ending the route after approximately one year of operation, ABC News reported. The final flight from Darwin is scheduled for 3 December.
The route began in December last year and was the only direct air link between China and the Northern Territory, and the longest-reaching route out of the Territory. The Airport Development Group, which operates Darwin International Airport, described the suspension as a commercial decision by China Southern. The suspension is the latest in a series of cancelled international routes out of Darwin.
An ADG spokesperson said the aircraft type operating Darwin services put the airport at a disadvantage for freight compared with other Australian destinations. Darwin was served by a narrowbody Boeing 737, while other Australian ports on China Southern routes used widebody aircraft. Widebody jets can make routes work from a freight standpoint, the spokesperson said.
A person identified as Mr Hingley said the Northern Territory aviation sector had ample opportunity but that its small population meant different government agencies, industry bodies, industry sectors and the airport needed to work together rather than in isolation. Waiting for federal government intervention was not a productive approach, he said.
Travellers seeking a direct air connection between the Northern Territory and China will have no such option once the service ends. Freight operators in the NT who relied on the route to move cargo will lose access to that direct link.
Official statements: Statedevelopment
Reporting: ABC News
Background: The Guardian, 7NEWS
Written by Pick & Scroll News from the reporting and documents linked above.
