China Southern Airlines opened flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, via Shangri-La in Yunnan Province.

The route, flown by Boeing 757 aircraft, will break the monopoly currently held by Air China Southwest Company from Chengdu to Lhasa.

The route will benefit tourists from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao by reducing their travel costs. The new route will boost economic growth in Tibet and will be of great importance to China's aviation industry.

       Air Route -------------- Flight Number ------------ Departure ------------ Arrival
Guangzhou-Lhasa                       CZ3417                            7:10                         12:20
Lhasa-Guangzhou                       CZ3418                           13:10                        18:10

Editor: Donald