Direct flights between Perth and Shanghai set for trial in October with China Eastern Airlines

A trial of direct flights between Perth and Shanghai could start next year. China Eastern, which already flies daily to Sydney and Melbourne, offered to investigate the viability of bringing thousands of passengers to Western Australia for the first time. Any deal is likely to involve some financial concessions around airport fees and a joint marketing campaign. “They are rapidly expanding their aircraft fleet and we have to make sure we are an available and welcoming destination for them,” said Mark McGowan, the premier of Western Australia. China Eastern flew 640,000 passengers to NSW last year and tourism operators in Perth say a deal with the company would be a game changer as China’s wealthy middle-class continues to grow.<br/>