A new carrier GX Airlines has been established in a joint venture of Hainan Airlines Group subsidiary Tianjin Airlines and GX Airlines Group. The airlines each invested RMB2.1 billion and RMB900 million in the new carrier's RMB3 billion (approx:US$480 million) registered capital for 70% and 30% equity stake respectively .
Operating with an initial fleet of five E190 aircraft, GX Airlines will fly mainly domestic air routes initially, but will add at least two international air routes from its Nanning airport base to neighboring ASEAN destinations within the year as its fleet expands.
GX Airlines is ready to take flight having received delivery of its E190 aircraft bearing the airline’s livery. Its maiden flight will most likely be from Nanning to Haikou.
The establishment of GX Airlines is part of the southwestern Guangxi province's greater Silk Route strategy, and an active regional implementation of the national “one link one route” policy. Provincial authorities are concentrating efforts in the new strategy to make the province a vital transport portal for developing the southwestern and southern regions. GX Airlines is the key to modernizing the provincial transport system and triggering a new round of opening up, while tapping into potential transnational links between Guangxi and ASEAN nations.
GX Airlines will be the first airlines to set up base in the Nanning Wuxu International Airport. The airport has a capacity to handle 16 million annual passenger throughput after moving to its new terminal on September 25, 2014. GX Airlines will be a driving force for increasing the airport's traffic and developing local aviation by increasing flights and improving flight networks.(Translation by David)
