The carrier wants the hub to compete with the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, as well as and emerging hubs Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

CSN has a strategic cooperation agreement with Australia’s five largest tourism administrations, four major airports – Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney – and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, to build up the Canton Route.

The airline says the stop-off gives the shortest flying distance between China and Australia – with passengers saving  two hours compared to transfers via Beijing or Shanghai.

The hub will provide similar flying times to those of Hong Kong and Singapore, CSN said.