It follows a similar decision by another airline, China Southern, which would resume daily flights to Brisbane later this year and would boost the local visitor economy by $314 million over three years, according to the Brisbane Airport Corporation.

The decision follows a trade mission to China by the Government’s Tourism and Events Queensland recently and funding has been made available through the $200 million fund from airports and the State Government.

BAC chief executive Gert-Jan de Graff said it was another sign the China market was about to roar back to life.

“Shanghai is China’s largest city and a commercial hub, making it a key city for business and leisure travel,” he said.

“With the two carriers now set to resume services from mainland China, we’re forecasting China will likely regain its spot as Queensland’s number one source for inbound tourists in 2024.

“This is big news for the Gold Coast, Brisbane and north Queensland.”

Queensland’s biggest sources for tourism were currently New Zealand, USA, UK, India and Taiwan.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the deal would see an entirely new generation of Chinese travellers discover Brisbane’s retail, restaurant, tourism and entertainment precincts which will help create jobs and opportunities for local residents.

Brisbane tourism would also be boosted through the hosting of this year’s Asia Pacific Cities Summit with delegates from 140 cities.

The summit will be held in October and the Brisbane City Council said it would bring a multi-million boost to the economy.