China Southern Moves A380 to Australia

China Southern will utilise one of its five A380s on the Guangzhou-Sydney route as part of a major overhaul to Australian operations.

The A380 will begin flying the route on 27 October 2013, replacing the current A330-300.

“Australia remains our most important overseas market and the test bed for our global strategy,” China Southern executive vice president Chen Gang said.

Both Melbourne and Sydney will receive China Southern’s latest A330-300 and A330-200 aircraft, containing flatbeds in business and personal screens throughout, by the end of October this year.

The airline introduced new A330-223 aircraft on Brisbane and Perth routes earlier this month.

Australian and New Zealand passengers travelling on the Canton route will soon be able to obtain visa-free entry to Guangzhou.

“Our Canton Route via Guangzhou is the new and exciting way for Australians to fly and we are absolutely thrilled that they will soon be able to stop over in this vibrant city with a free transit permit for up to 72 hours to try some authentic Cantonese Yum Cha, enjoy the local culture and shop ‘til they drop,” Mr Chen said.