Hainan Airlines to boost Shenzhen services

Hainan Airlines has signed a cooperation agreement with Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and the Transport Commission of Shenzhen Municipality in an effort to enhance its position in the Shenzhen market.

Hainan expects to move forward with a plan to open Shenzhen-Brisbane service this year. The Haikou-based carrier will continue its expansion pace by opening one intercontinental route and two intra-Asia routes from Shenzhen annually by 2020.

The company also plans to increase its overnight aircraft at Shenzhen Airport to 30—including 15 widebodies—by 2020.

The Transport Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, which represents the Shenzhen government, said it will provide support to Hainan Airlines in the areas of international traffic rights, slots, subsidies and necessary real estate backup.

Shenzhen Airport also aims to speed up its international expansion strategy. The airport plans to increase international routes to 65, which includes 10 direct intercontinental routes, by 2020. This figure will be expanded to 90, of which more than 15 will be direct intercontinental routes, by 2025.