The withdrawal of Shanghai from the Qantas flight network last year left a conspicuous gap in connecting two of the most dynamic cities in the Asia-Pacific region.  Thankfully, a new entrant on the Australian aviation scene stepped in to satisfy demand on this vital route.  Juneyao Air may be unfamiliar to people who have never been to China. Still, the country’s largest privately owned airline has long been established as one of its leaders in passenger air transport.  Juneyao Air entered the Australian market for the first time a few months ago with two cities added to its portfolio of destinations, operating nonstop services between Sydney and Melbourne and Shanghai’s ultramodern Pudong Airport.  With a vast domestic network and an expanding international network, Juneyao Air now links Australia to Shanghai and dozens of cities in China and beyond, with such favourite destinations as Athens, Milan, and Manchester among the airline’s European destinations.

After a friendly check-in at Sydney Airport, Business Class passengers can use the express Immigration and Security lanes and head for the SkyTeam Lounge to relax before departure.  On board the 787-9 aircraft, Juneyao Air’s Business Class cabin has 29 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.  The seats are spacious and comfortable, the 17-inch entertainment screen is easy to operate, the food and beverage options are appealing, and the service from the attentive cabin crew is courteous and professional.  Aside from the beautifully presented printed food and beverage menu, there is a separate cocktail menu with various creative libations to whet the appetite before, after, and during the meal services.  On this daytime flight scheduled for an 8:35 am departure, there were two complete meal services: breakfast and dinner, with both Western and Chinese choices plus snacks available during the scheduled flight time of 9 hours 55 minutes.

It is often recommended to fly an airline from the country to be visited and immersed in the local culture even before arrival, as in the case of Juneyao Air.  From the music played during the boarding process to the soft pink lighting and powder blue cabin crew uniforms, the tone is set for a serene travel experience.  Unlike other airlines, announcements are made in a low-key manner in clear voices.  The whole experience can be termed gentle and welcoming, both adjectives equally applicable upon arrival at the very luxe Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai.

Juneyao Air Flight HO1670 departed SYD seven minutes early and arrived ten minutes early at PVG.  Immigration procedures on arrival in Shanghai were quick and easy.  For Sydneysiders who are sadly accustomed to overpriced public transport to and from their home airport, the transport options from Pudong Airport into the city centre are impressive in efficiency and cost.  The modern Shanghai Metro system takes passengers into Shanghai for less than two Australian dollars. In comparison, the splendid Maglev train is still a bargain at about ten dollars for the eight-minute ride at 300 kilometres per hour.

Thanks to China’s recent policy change allowing visa-free visits for Australian (and many other) citizens for stays under 30 days, Shanghai’s allure instantly became more easily accessible, not just concerning flight connectivity.  Whether as a destination in its own right or a stopover on the way to or from Europe, the excitement of Shanghai is just a Juneyao Air flight away.

 

 

 

Written by Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

===================================