Where? Shenzhen (China) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately (rising to three times a week on 3 July 2017)
Who? China Southern Airlines
Why? Further expanding China Southern’s international network from Shenzhen, and tapping demand for travel to and from the Pearl River Delta
Anything else? Air China is also expected to launch Shenzhen-Melbourne flights later this summer
Where? Astana, pictured (Kazakhstan) to Kiev (Ukraine)
When? Five times a week, effective immediately
Who? Air Astana
Why? Resuming a route that was suspended in 2014 to take advantage of rising traffic during the World Expo in Astana
Anything else? Passengers on the route will be offered free tickets to the World Expo, which runs from June to September 2017
Where? Perth to Brisbane (both Australia)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six times a week in peak seasons)
Who? Tigerair Australia
Why? Creating a new low-cost trans-continental connection between two of Australia’s largest cities
Anything else? At more than 3,600km, Perth-Brisbane is one of the longest domestic routes in Australia
Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Taipei (Taiwan)
When? Daily, effective 1 August 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier further expands international links with launch of first ever route to Taiwan
Anything else? Having started operating as recently as December 2013, Thai Lion now operates scheduled flights to 22 destinations in six countries
Where? Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Melbourne (Australia)
When? Daily, effective 1 September 2017
Who? Japan Airlines
Why? Rising demand for travel between Australia and Asia, and especially to and from Melbourne
Anything else? Despite being a wide-bodied, twin-aisle aircraft, JAL’s Boeing 787-8s (which will serve Melbourne) feature fewer than 200 seats
Where? Shanghai Pudong (China) to Tel Aviv, pictured (Tel Aviv)
When? Three times a week, effective 12 September 2017
Who? Hainan Airlines
Why? Continuing the expansion of Beijing-based Hainan Airlines’ international network from Shanghai
Anything else? The Chinese carrier will serve Tel Aviv using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft
