KEY POINTS:
Two more international airlines will begin flights to Brisbane later this year, Queensland Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said today.
New services by China Eastern and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad are expected to boost Queensland's tourism industry with better access to the emerging Chinese and Middle Eastern markets.
"Aviation access is vital to ensure the continued growth of international tourism in Queensland, and China and the Middle East are among our most potentially lucrative markets," Mrs Keech said.
Etihad will operate three flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Brisbane via Singapore, bringing in up to 800 tourists a week from September.
China Eastern will offer two flights per week from Shanghai to Brisbane, or nearly 600 inbound seats each week, for four months from November. But it is hoped the airline will make a longer-term commitment.
"Additional flights to our state from significant new players in the airline industry such as Etihad and China Eastern are an excellent endorsement of Queensland's status on the world stage as a premier holiday and business destination," Mrs Keech said.
- AAP
