Celebrating the Chinese New Year next week, China Southern Airlines will deliver a solid boost to the Far-North Queensland economy with the arrival of four tourist charter flights from Guangzhou, China.

Operated by 376-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft, the first of these charter flights will land in tropical Cairns on January 28 with Chinese holidaymakers from across the country.

Chartered by China's GZL International Travel Service and Guangdong LB Air Service Company, the flights will arrive over two days, including January 29, bringing the total number of visitors to approximately 1,500.

"Australia is an increasingly popular destination for travellers from China, and tropical Far-North Queensland provides not only an exciting and different holiday opportunity but a great respite from the northern hemisphere winter," said James Liu, General Manager Australia for China Southern Airlines.

"This injects a significant amount of money into the Australian tourism industry and provides valuable exposure in China for this great region of Australia."

The China Southern flights will be welcomed by traditional Chinese lion dancers from the local community - an initiative of Far North Queensland Tourism and CADCAI (Cairns & Districts Chinese Association Inc).

The four charters come to Far North Queensland as China Southern considers launching scheduled flights to Brisbane, as part of a significant international expansion plan. Aside from Australia, the airline also has plans to introduce other key destinations including New York and London.

China Southern Airlines currently operates daily non-stop flights from Sydney and two weekly non-stop flights from Melbourne to its hub Guangzhou in China's south.

For reservations call China Southern Airlines in Sydney on 02-92339788, Melbourne on 03-86760088 and South-East Queensland / North-East NSW on 1300889628.