SYDNEY, Nov. 12 -- China's flag carrier Air China welcomed a major flight between Sydney and Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province, on Saturday.
An Airbus 330-200 plane flying Sydney's first direct route from China's fourth-largest international airport touched down at Sydney Airport, marking the start of a service running three times a week that is expected to bring 23,000 Chinese visitors and 89 million Autralian dollars of their expenditure to the New South Wales (NSW) economy.
"Chengdu, the land of abundance and capital of Sichuan province, is a city proud of its natural endowment, historical heritage, cultural diversity and hardworking people. The city and its surrounding area are leading other cities in China's west in economic development and have been working to build and strengthen their ties with Australia," Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney Gu Xiaojie said at an event in Sydney Airport welcoming the new route.
"Air China's direct flights will help to strengthen Chengdu and Sichuan's cooperation with the most dynamic and prosperous city in New South Wales, hence creating new opportunities for the Chinese and Australian people to deepen mutual understanding, friendship and economic cooperation."
The consul general said the Chinese and Australian economies are "highly complementary", with recent years witnessing "rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment, tourism, education, science and technology".
New South Wales is the destination of more than half of Chinese investment and students and 40 percent of tourists to Australia, "and we value our friendly relationship with the state very much", he said.
Chengdu is Air China's second-largest hub offering connections to more than 40 destinations within China and international cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Rome. The new flight, which offers 237 seats on the aircraft, will help Sydney Airport host seven airlines flying to 13 Chinese cities by the end of the month, said Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather.
"In the year ending June 2016, New South Wales welcomed almost 640,000 people from China and they spent some 2.1 billion Australian dollars in our local economy, which is very welcomed. The partnership with Air China will help continue to grow that, for our local economy, and likewise, we will look forward to sending more people to Chengdu and China," NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism Jonathan O'Dea said.
The managing director of Air China's Southwest Branch Liu Yong said the Chengdu-Sydney flight will establish a new "bridge in the sky" to help boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges.
"The weather forecast said there'd be rain, but it turned out to be nice and sunny, a very smooth first flight. It's a good sign for our new link and I'm confident of it," Liu said.
"Chinese nationals continue to be our largest foreign contributor in inbound passengers and this new service will drive further demand," Mather said.
As part of continued efforts to meet that demand, Sydney Airport has rolled out a number of initiatives to welcome Chinese passengers. These include Mandarin-speaking "ambassadors" to help visitors, as well as retail, food and beverage offerings tailored to Chinese travelers, and a presence on Chinese social media platforms to ensure that passengers are kept up to date, she said.
"It's going to be great for Sydneysiders as well. Chengdu is one of the fastest developing cities in the world and an ideal destination for people who want to explore western China," she said.
"It's famous for the giant pandas and for Sichuan cuisine, which is personally my favorite. I'm sure Sydneysiders will love Chengdu as much as I do."
体坛英语资讯:Indian trade minister lashes out at critics of Commonwealth Games
体坛英语资讯:Olympic Park to be renamed after Queen Elizabeth in 2013
体坛英语资讯:Podobedova of Kazakhstan sets 3 world records in womens 75kg at worlds
体坛英语资讯:Australias Melzer wins ITF Men s circuit final in Kampala
体坛英语资讯:China crowns FIBA Asia U18 Championship
体坛英语资讯:Kuerten confirms tennis match against Agassi
体坛英语资讯:Cruzeiro, Atletico-PR draw 0-0 in Brazilian soccer
体坛英语资讯:Yao eager to be back on court
体坛英语资讯:Corinthians battles to 2-2 draw against Ceara
体坛英语资讯:Brazil ease into semis after win over Germany
体坛英语资讯:Russians grab last two golds at rhythmic gymnastics worlds
体坛英语资讯:Over 100,000 people apply to be London 2012 volunteers
体坛英语资讯:Estonia stuns Serbia 3-1 in Euro 2012 qualifying
体坛英语资讯:AC Milan edge Parma thanks to Pirlos goal
体坛英语资讯:Chinese volleyball coach views tough group battle at mens worlds
体坛英语资讯:Petrova romps past local wildcard in China Open first round
体坛英语资讯:Serena Williams to back to tennis court next week
体坛英语资讯:Sharapova eliminated at China Open
体坛英语资讯:Clijsters withdraws from China Open
体坛英语资讯:Zico leaves Flamengo, stirs crisis
体坛英语资讯:Contador stresses innocence over dope test
体坛英语资讯:Netherlands beat Moldova in Euro 2012 qualifier
体坛英语资讯:England to pull out of bidding for 2022 World Cup
体坛英语资讯:Khachatryan of Armenia gives up match after injury at weightlifting worlds
体坛英语资讯:7th Regional Special Olympics to open in Syria
体坛英语资讯:Atletico-MG signs Dorival Junior as new head coach
体坛英语资讯:Atletico-PR beat Vitoria 1-0
体坛英语资讯:Arsenal, Chelsea keep perfect record; Bayern, Real also win again
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona beat Lakers in NBA European tour
体坛英语资讯:Michael Ballack postpones comeback
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |