HNA Group, the Chinese airline group that controls Hainan Airlines, is planning to launch a new carrier based in the southeastern city of Fuzhou.
The China Daily has reported that HNA has signed an agreement with the Fuzhou government to introduce Fuzhou Airlines as part of its domestic expansion plan.
The deal, which still needs to be approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), is said to include a promise to invest in the expansion of Fuzhou airport.
Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, is currently dominated by China Southern Airlines’ subsidiary Xiamen Airlines. It is also a key hub for cross-Strait traffic due to its proximity to Taiwan.
HNA Group already operates several regional subsidiaries including Tianjin Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and executive airline Deer Jet.
