China Southern Airlines has launched its new Canton Route, opening up a new route to London via the airline’s Guangzhou hub in southern China from Syndey and Melbourne.

Under the new route, launched June 6, flights from Sydney and Melbourne will connect three times a week with a direct China Southern flight between Guangzhou and London.

China Southern’s Canton route has a three-hour stopover in Guangzhou, allowing a 26-hour connection between Australia and the UK.

China Southern Regional General Manager Australia/New Zealand Henry He said the airline was pleased to offer Australians an alternate way to London and Europe.

“Australia is one of our most valued international markets and we are thrilled to now be able to link Australians directly with the UK and Europe through our lively hub in southern China,” Mr He said.

“Through this new route, Guangzhou, known as Old Canton to many Australians, provides a gateway to the fascinating and beautiful southern regions of mainland China.”

China Southern also operates a Perth to Paris via Guangzhou service with an 8-hour stop over and a Brisbane to Amsterdam service with a 7.5 hour stopover in Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou-based airline has operated into Australia for more than 10 years and currently flies 11 times a week between Sydney and Guangzhou, 10 times a week from Melbourne, four times a week from Brisbane and three times a week from Perth.  It also offers daily direct services from Guangzhou to Auckland.

The airline is selling its Canton Route tickets to London for as low as A$1800 return in economy class and $5800 in business class. ■