Connectivity to China from Sydney has never been so good. And with a strong demand for travel from Sydney to Europe, China is perfectly placed as a transit point for Aussie tourists.
The Sydney to Europe route via China is known as the Silk Skyway. Currently, only around four per cent of Aussies journeying from Sydney Airport to Europe fly via mainland China on Chinese Airlines. But that number is set to rise. Better connectivity, higher availability of information, and a shifting perception of China and Chinese airlines are causing Aussie travellers to increasingly consider China as an option. And Sydney Airport is helping to bring that to light.
We are taking a closer look at four Chinese airlines that fly out of Sydney Airport, ‘Australia’s international gateway’, to help Australians uncover a new way to travel to Europe. These airlines fly to massive modern hub airports, each located within a culturally and historically vibrant city. And thanks to China’s 30-day visa-free policy for anyone holding an Australian passport, travellers have the opportunity to consider a longer layover and experience some of the world’s most fascinating destinations en route to Europe.
There’s no arguing with the fantastic experience and compelling value of transiting in China when travelling to Europe, thanks to China’s 30-day visa-free policy, the high-standard service of Chinese airlines and airports, the competitive prices and great onward connections. We are examining the available options for transiting in China, accompanied by the opportunity to stopover in some of the world’s most culturally rich cities. And there’s perks!
Air China
This week we’re focussing on Air China, whose hub is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in northern China.
Beijing, China’s sprawling capital city, is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls and gates. The city has been China’s political and cultural centre for more than 700 years, and boasts more buildings of historical and architectural significance than any other contemporary city in China.
Beijing, originally called Peking, offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace. And of course you have to try the national dish, Peking Duck.
When landing at PEK there are numerous airport shuttle bus services, taxis, and a subway to connect passengers between terminals and the city of Beijing, making it that much more tempting to venture out of the airport and into the real world.
PEK is considered a super-large aviation hub, exceeding 100 million passengers annually. It serves more than 49 airlines flying to 77 cities worldwide. In terms of onward travel, Air China has more European connections than any other Chinese airline. With flights to London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Athens, Barcelona, Madrid, Budapest, Geneva, Vienna, Milan, Rome, Minsk, Stockholm, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Moscow, Chita, and Vladivostok, there aren’t many parts of Europe you can’t reach from PEK.
There’s also no need to re-check bags, clear Customs or complete security checks at PEK, meaning passengers from Australia to Europe can transit seamlessly in the airport. Simply follow the sign to international departures.
Transit offers
Air China is currently offering the following when you book a flight from Sydney to Europe:
- A free transit hotel near the airpot when
- the transit time is between 6-24 hours in T3 on Air China operated flights, and
- both flights were booked under the same reference number and issued on one ‘999’ ticket number (subject to availability)
- A limousine service to Beijing available for business class passengers
- Lounge access at Beijing airport T3 for business class passengers
Want to travel to Europe on the Silk Skyway? We’re looking for content creators in the Aussie travel industry to film the journey. You’ll get return business class tickets from Sydney to Europe, plus stopover perks in China and one night’s hotel stay in Europe. Apply HERE to be in with a chance!
