First direct flight from China lands in Perth

• China Southern Airlines inaugural flight touches down

• Three flights a week from China to Perth

• Tourism industry expecting big rise in Chinese visitor numbers

In a major boost for Western Australia's tourism industry, the first ever direct passenger flight between China and Perth has landed at Perth International Airport.

The China Southern Airlines flight from Beijing and Guangzhou was greeted by a ceremonial water cannon salute before Premier Colin Barnett and Tourism Minister Kim Hames officially welcomed the passengers, including the airline's chairman Si Xianmin.

"This is a milestone event for WA's visitor economy and for the first time gives us direct access to the world's biggest tourism market," Dr Hames said.

"Our goal is to increase the number of Chinese visitors to this State from about 15,000 a year to 100,000 by 2020, and with direct flights we are confident that is achievable.

"This service also strengthens WA's already strong business and trade links with China, with the State providing about 70 per cent of Australia's exports to China."

China Southern Airlines is the biggest airline in Asia and the fifth biggest in the world by passenger numbers.

The airline already has a presence in WA following the establishment of its Flying College campuses at Jandakot and Merredin in 1993.

The Minister said Guangzhou - China's third biggest city behind Shanghai and Beijing - was now just eight hours away non-stop.

"To raise awareness of WA in China, Tourism WA has been working closely with China Southern Airlines and Tourism Australia to develop a $2.5million marketing campaign, which started in September," he said.

"Chinese tourists enjoy natural beauty and nature-based experiences and this State has them in abundance."

      Fact File

• China Southern Airlines becomes the 18th international airline servicing Perth

• Last financial year, China was WA's 12th biggest international market by numbers

Minister's office - 9222 8788