HALF-empty flights between China and Darwin have raised questions about the effectiveness of the Territory Government’s deal with Donghai Airlines as its flights take off well under capacity.
Figures from an international airline activity report by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development reveal only 382 passengers (44 per cent capacity) flew in from Shenzhen to Darwin in September, while only 237 flew outbound (27 per cent capacity).
The report also shows overall international passenger traffic through Darwin Airport has fallen by 15.6 per cent this year.
Donghai Airlines began operating flights between Darwin and Shenzhen, China, in late May and passenger numbers have been sluggish.
In June the airline recorded slightly larger passenger numbers with 455 inbound and 392 outbound.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner rejected claims that the deal with Donghai had been a failure and said they expected numbers to pick up in the next three years.
“We know when you establish a brand new route like that, it takes a while for it to get up,” he said.
“It’s my understanding Donghai budget around not filling the plane up, so if you look at the costs that occur when you run a plane in terms of staffing and fuel loads etc, they’re not budgeting for a full plane, they’re budgeting for less.
“So those numbers aren’t as bad to Donghai as they might be considered by yourself.
“Donghai have also factored in the time it takes to establish the route.”
Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said the low numbers were proof of the Labor Government’s failure to build the Territory tourism industry.
“Labor continues to dodge questions about their multimillion-dollar co-operative marketing arrangements and with three marketing offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) it is important to know if the taxpayer dollar is being effectively spent and how much they are spending,” Mr Higgins said.