China will open a new international air route from the Chinese city of Hailar, at the northeastern tip of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to the Mongolian city of Choibalsan during the first half of this year, aviation officials told Xinhua on Feb. 16.

Su Langen, Director General of the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), said the new route would reduce the flight distance to 408 kilometers.

At present, travelers must go by way of Beijing, a journey of 2,050 kilometers.

The ATMB is a government organization in charge of aviation planning, routes and management.