Low-cost carrier Jetstar has started flying to mainland China, with an inaugural flight to Haikou - the capital of Hainan province - on Dec. 16.

The carrier said the flight was fully sold out and that sales on the new service are currently exceeding expectations.

Jetstar will fly four times weekly to Haikou.

In February, the airline will begin flights to a second destination in mainland China, Shantou.