China Eastern is poised to introduce three weekly flights between Shanghai and Cairns as the explosion of capacity from China continues.
The carrier, which has operated charters into Queensland during Chinese New Year, will launch scheduled services in around four months, according to the Cairns Post.
A spokeswoman for Cairns Airport told Travel Today that talks have taken place with the airline but was unable to confirm whether agreement has been reached.
“We would love to have China Eastern flying to Cairns but there is nothing concrete to say at this stage,” she said.
Reports said state tourism minister Jann Stuckey is expected to make an announcement with airline officials next Wednesday during a trade mission to China.
A spokeswoman for Stuckey said the government was”delighted” with the progress of talks.
“The Queensland Government is continuing to work closely with all partners involved to encourage this type of new airline route,” she said.
China Southern has also indicated it is planning to operate into Cairns by 2015 as part of an aggressive Australian expansion strategy.
Other carriers may not be so pleased with complaints that Chinese airlines are flooding the market with capacity and driving down fares.
