The Northern Territory could soon get its first nonstop direct flights to China.
Little known Chinese carrier, Shenzhen based Donghai Airlines, has applied for approval to fly to Darwin, the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration said.
The route could take off as early as September.
It is a ‘positive step forward’ for the region, said tourism minister Lauren Moss.
"I think the fact that we are seeing Chinese airlines show intent to come to the Northern Territory is a positive first step. I think we’d hope to see services on the ground as soon as possible; that’s certainly what we are working towards," Moss said.
Although not yet certain, a new international route for the NT is welcome news, coming so soon after Malaysia Airlines decided to halt its underperforming Darwin to Kuala Lumpur route.
Donghai Airlines is a full service carrier and part of the East Pacific Group.
Last month the airline announced it was planning to buy 10 Boeing 737-Max jets as part of an expansion plan to grow from the current 20 aircraft to a fleet size of more than 100 by 2025.
