| MEDIA RELEASE
THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE |  |
TR 60
QANTAS SYDNEY - SHANGHAI INAUGURAL FLIGHT 27 AUGUST:
BLUE "DREAMING" JUMBO ON THE WAY TO CHINA
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer, the Chinese Ambassador, HE Mr Hua Junduo, a senior Australian trade delegation, Qantas executives and business leaders, this Tuesday will travel on Qantas's inaugural direct flight between Sydney and Shanghai.
"The bright blue Nalanji Dreaming 747-300 will make a spectacular arrival in Shanghai on Wednesday morning, and provide a uniquely Australian introduction to this new service," Mr Fischer said.
The flight's arrival will be followed by the opening of the new Qantas Shanghai of fine.
Mr Fischer is making an extensive visit to China at the invitation of executive Vice-Premier Zhu Rongii, including visits to Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian and Guangzhou. and then back to Australia via Hong Kong.
"The extended trade visit reflects the growing importance of Australia's trade relations with China and it is an added boost to have direct air links between Australia and China spreading to include key hubs such as Shanghai," he said.
"The visit will be my third visit to China this decade, including my third visit to Shanghai and Beijing - but previous visits have also included Xian and Chengdu."
Mr Fischer will hold negotiations with senior members of the Chinese Government. A number of commercial deals are expected to be signed concurrent with his visit.
He will be in China from August 28 to September 3, and Hong Kong on September 4 and 5.