Recent reports that deals have been done to bring direct flight to Cairns from China and Singapore are premature, according to Cairns Airport representatives.

The Australian news service yesterday reported that China Eastern plan to begin a trial of "at least twice weekly services" to Cairns in the coming months, while AAP believes an announcement involving Jetstar flights from Singapore to Cairns will be made at the State Government's upcoming Destination Q conference.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Brown, said that the airport remains in negotiations with various airlines with a view to introducing new direct international services into Cairns.

“We look forward to bringing negotiations with key airlines to a successful outcome in the coming months at which time official announcements of any new routes can be made,” he said.

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“With growth in Chinese visitors of 39 per cent for the past calendar year without a direct service from mainland China we have high hopes for even higher growth levels once direct services are established.

“Singapore is also a key focus for the development of a new direct service to provide improved connectivity through Asia and Europe.

“Just three new international services per week would be worth $35 million to the regional economy each year and generate 386 local jobs," Mr Brown said.

Corporate Communications Manager for Cairns Airport, Helen Laird, said negotiations with the Chinese have been running for over two years.