China Southern to launch India flights

China Southern today said it will launch direct flights to India this year to tap the increasing traffic potential arising out of booming bilateral trade. It will be the third Chinese airline to start operations to India.

The company, based in Guangzhou, capital of the southern province of Guangdong, will connect the city with New Delhi, a senior company official said.

India is one among the 10 new international direct sectors to be launched within 2007 by China Southern.

Guangzhou city and Guangdong Province attracts a number of Indian traders. Moreover, the word-famous Canton Fair takes place in the city.

India will open a new Consulate in Guangzhou within the year, it was announced yesterday in Delhi after the meeting between External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Some Indian carriers like Air Sahara have also expressed interest to start flights to Guangzhou.

Air China and China Eastern Airlines are the other two Chinese carriers that are operating direct flights to India.