A model of the ARJ21 regional jet from Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) is displayed at the Aviation Expo China 2015 in Beijing, China, Sept. 16, 2015. (Photo : Reuters)
Yongxing Island, China’s southernmost island in Sansha City, is set to launch commercial flights, following the arrival of a civil aircraft for Spring Festival on Saturday, Feb. 6.
Hainan Airlines provided on Saturday the first civil flight for 150 passengers to Yongxing Island, the seat of the Sansha government. Launching civil flights on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea is perceivably important to safeguard the islands and bring supplies to the people living there.
Ren Jiaojiao, who had not seen her husband (working with the navy) for a whole year, got a chance to visit him and she felt lucky being among the passengers who boarded the civil flight to the island.
In an interview with CCTV News, Ren said: "I think it's great as I can visit my husband. Also, I've never before been to Yongxing Island."
Before the launch of the civil flight, travelers had to spend approximately 10 hours on a ship to get to Yongxing Island. Frequent commercial flights to the Yongxing Island and other islands will reduce the time to about 90 minutes.
According to China.org, local authorities said that the launch of the civil flight business is one of the city's many moves to promote the quality of life, and it will not take long before flights become routine for family members during holidays.
Xiao Jie, Sansha City mayor, has spent all of his Chinese New Year holidays on the Yongxing Island since he took office.
Speaking to the publication, Xiao said: "I hope living conditions on the island can be further improved in the future. And I wish through this visit, the people of Sansha can feel greater happiness in having a more festive New Year."
Yongxing Island Airport will reportedly serve as an important hub in the South China Sea.
