China Southern Airlines is set to launch a direct flight between the mainland and South Australia's Adelaide, the government announced on Tuesday.

The South Australian government has reached an in-principle agreement with China Southern Airlines to set up direct flights from and to China's Guangzhou thrice a week. The airline will operate an A330 model, with business, premium, and economy classes to be offered.

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The deal is expected to be inked in Guangzhou later this week. China Southern Airlines is expected to begin flying the route as early as December.

"This is incredibly exciting news for South Australia, having three direct flights from the most populous region, the region with the most international connections with the world, one of the great hubs of the world, for not only tourism but also trade is an extraordinary boon for South Australia's economy," Premier Jay Weatherill said.

He added that the recent deal with China Southern Airlines would open more job opportunities beyond the airport with an expected 135 positions to be made available. It will also boost the tourism and hospitality sector, noting that Chinese visitors are Australia's most valuable guests. "They actually spend more and they stay longer than other visitors," Weatherill said.

South Australia has reportedly contributed an unspecified amount to make the deal with China Southern Airlines possible. It refused to divulge the amount, explaining that the government is also in talks with different airlines and "these are things that we do keep commercial in confidence."

China Southern Airlines will be the second airline to launch a direct international flight out of Adelaide this year after Qatar Airways launched direct flights to Doha, Qatar, in May.

TagsChina Southern Airlines, Adelaide, south australia, Premier Jay Weatherill, flights, Airlines