Derek Morris

One of Australia’s best known airline executives this week joins China Southern Airlines’ regional sales and marketing department in its Sydney headquarters.

Derek Morris comes to the job after 27 years with Cathay Pacific Airways, the past 15 years as its sales and marketing chief in Sydney.  He began with British Airways in Perth. 

Announcing the appointment, China Southern Regional Manager Australia/New Zealand Henry He said he was delighted to be gaining an executive with Derek’s experience, skills and industry contacts at such a critical time in China Southern’s global development.

“Not only is Derek one of the most respected aviation executives in the region, his long and distinguished service at such a senior level with Cathay has given him important insights into Asian thinking and doing business,” Mr He said.

“Derek will play a key role in further consolidating China Southern’s expansion into this region and helping us to introduce our exciting new Canton Route to the UK and Europe via Guangzhou.

“We view the Canton Route as the new Kangaroo Route, offering similar flying times and stopover options in Guangzhou or Old Canton, instead of Singapore or Bangkok.

“Derek’s role will be to spread the message even further that China Southern wants to shake up air travel not just to Europe and the Americas but also to Asia and to China itself as it emerges as an increasingly important destination for leisure and corporate travellers wanting more affordable air travel,” Mr He added.

Mr Morris, who takes up his duties on Wednesday, said he had been watching China Southern’s emergence with growing interest and some awe in recent years.

“It seems absolutely clear to me that being based in old Canton and closer to Australia than the other mainland airlines, China Southern feels a natural affinity with Australia and New Zealand that is giving its drive into these markets extra focus and energy. 

“This is a wonderful message to be able to take to my colleagues in the travel industry and I am very excited to be coming on board at such an amazing time.”