China Southern has set its eyes on the Pacific, having resumed seasonal services to Perth Airport (PER), and also completed a test flight to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Starting November 30, 2025, the Guangzhou-based carrier will operate seasonal services to Perth three times per week using its fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Western Australia Tourism Minister the Hon. Reece Whitby said that the return of China Southern’s seasonal service is a “valuable connection” between China and Western Australia.
“China remains one of WA’s key international visitor markets, and this seasonal direct service helps make it even easier for visitors from China to explore our state’s unique experiences and natural beauty,” Whitby said.
Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said that while China Southern had advised that it will operate three weekly services until March 2026, the airport is closely working with the State Government to increase the frequency in the coming years.
“China currently represents Western Australia’s fourth largest international market by visitor number with 68,000 visitors in 2024, injecting $302 million into the economy – so increasing our capacity into China is an important objective for Western Australia’s tourism industry,” Holsgrove said.
“We’re working closely with Tourism WA to reconnect Perth to mainland China as direct aviation connections will provide a boost across the tourism, business, export and education sectors which will provide benefits to the entire economy,” she added.
Trial flight to Port Vila
On April 29, 2025, China Southern arrived at Port Vila in Vanuatu, completing its test flight to the island nation.
The flight was operated using the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft, and carried 30 passengers. The flight had a stop over in Port Moresby International Airport (POM) in Papua New Guinea.
A July 2024 report by the Vanuatu Daily Post said that Vanuatu and China planned to sign an Air Transportation Agreement to enhance flight connectivity between the two nations, boosting trade, tourism, and people-to-people links.
While no regular flight schedule between China and Vanuatu are in place, a second test flight occurred on May 6, 2025
