China's Hongtu Airlines, a start-up carrier based in Kunming, Yunnan Province, today obtained its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from CAAC Southwest Regional Administration and announced its inaugural flight from its base to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province on Saturday (May 21).

The start-up carrier held a grand opening ceremony in Kunming, with attendances of officials from the aviation authorities, local government, Yunnan Airport Group, Airbus and media.

The airline, using "A6" code, will operate a fleet of 220-seat Airbus A321 aircraft on domestic routes from Kunming Changshui International Airport. Following the start of flights to Nanchang, it plans to start flying to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province.

The start-up airline got its air transport business license from the CAAC on March 24. With a registered capital of 600 million yuan, the National Development and Reform Commission has approved its introduction of three A320s, two by purchase and one by lease.

In last December, Hongtu Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft, with an Airbus A321 aircraft landing smoothly at Kunming Airport. By the end of 2016, the airline will own six Airbus aircraft, with two A320 and one A319 pending delivery.

The airline also has ambitious plans to expand to a fleet of 100 aircraft in 10 years and have 5-7 base companies.

Hongtu Airlines becomes the sixth carrier based in Kunming, following China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Lucky Air, Kunming Airlines and Ruili Airlines.

Related News:

    Photos: Hongtu Airlines' First A321 Aircraft Touches Down at Kunming Airport