The NT News reported the Donghai announcement (see below) with reference to "Flights will arrive in Darwin at 8.40 am and depart at 5.25 pm". However the graphic on Donghai's website suggests a more logical 9:20am departure from Shenzhen, arriving at 4:30 pm, with the return flight leaving Darwin at 5:20 pm and arriving in Shenzhen at 10:00 pm.
The website also advertises a Australian phone number for the Darwin Route of 1800 905 614.
Gary Shipway
NT News | 13 April 2018
TERRITORY tourism has a new international gateway with Donghai Airlines confirming it will start direct Shenzhen-Darwin flights from May 30 – and tickets go on sale in China this afternoon.
Bookings out of Darwin will be available at the end of April.
The arrival of the twiceweekly services could not come at a better time for the Top End tourism industry as the peak Dry season kicks into gear.
Donghai Airlines president Yang Jianhong said “at this stage” flights would be Shenzhen to Darwin and return on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Flights will arrive in Darwin at 8.40 am and depart at 5.25 pm.
He said the airline would initially be using a new Boeing 737-800 which can seat 162 passengers in a two-class layout or 189 passengers in a oneclass layout.
The intention is to later use the new B737 MAX 8 which has a longer flying range.
This suggests that Donghai depart at is also exploring other destinations on the Darwin route, potentially Bali.
Securing Donghai direct flights is another major coup for Chief Minister Michael Gunner and, in particular, Tourism Minister Lauren Moss, who has put in the hard yards to secure the much-needed services.
The announcement comes two days after Jetstar revealed it would start a new tourism
route with direct flights from Brisbane to Uluru.
The estimated travel time from Shenzhen to Darwin direct is five-and-a-half hours - less than half the existing travel time including connections.
Mr Gunner confirmed with the NT News yesterday the deal had been done and Donghai had received all its necessary approvals to fly to Australia. "This is a historic occasion for the Territory Government," Mr Gunner said.
"Darwin and the Territory are now truly in the game when it comes to bringing thousands of new Chinese visitors to the Territory. It also means international travellers have a new exit point to China and beyond.
"It is good news not only for our tourism and hospitality sector but it opens up new opportunities
for our business sector to grow trade.
"This has the potential to bring tens of millions of new dollars into our economy each year."
NT Airports chief executive Ian Kew said the new air link between Darwin and China would create more than 35,000 airline seats directly into the market. He said Donghai' s decision to use 737-800
planes could lead to ticket pricing attractive to international travellers.
"Donghai Airlines will be the only airline from China to serve Australia with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft," he said.
"This is a more cost effective and economically efficient aircraft, which will enable very competitive fares to be offered."
Ms Moss said planning was underway for functions and events around an inaugural Donghai Airlines flight.