[Photo/Xinhua]

The consul general said the Chinese and Australian economies are "highly complementary", with recent years witnessing "rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment, tourism, education, science and technology".

New South Wales is the destination of more than half of Chinese investment and students and 40 percent of tourists to Australia, "and we value our friendly relationship with the state very much", he said.

Chengdu is Air China's second-largest hub offering connections to more than 40 destinations within China and international cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Rome. The new flight, which offers 237 seats on the aircraft, will help Sydney Airport host seven airlines flying to 13 Chinese cities by the end of the month, said Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather.