 Mumbai: A third Chinese airliner, China Southern, will launch direct flights to India this year to tap the increasing traffic potential amidst boom in bilateral trade. Guangzhou, Guangdong-based China Southern will operate flights to New Delhi, a senior company official said. Guangzhou city and the Guangdong province have a number of Indian traders. Moreover, the world-famous Canton Fair also takes place in the city. China Southern has planned ten new international direct routes, including the flight to India, in the current year. Some Indian carriers like Air Sahara have also expressed interest to start flights to Guangzhou. India, meanwhile, plans to open a new consulate in Guangzhou within the year. This was announced at a meeting between external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and visiting Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing. Air China and China Eastern Airlines currently operates direct flights to India.
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