Feb. 9, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Kunming Airlines, which is 80% owned by Shenzhen Airlines, will launch its first flight on Feb.15, Shenzhen Airlines said on Feb.8, sources reported.

The routes of the initial flight will connect Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, and Changsha as well as Harbin, and the code of Kunming Airlines is KY, according to biggest its shareholder.

Besides, travelers can book air tickets nationwide now.

The new carrier, with a registered capital of RMB 80 million, is based in Wujiaba International Airport and it will receive two B737-700 and one B737-800 aircraft as well as 30 pilots and 26 flight attendants from Shenzhen Airlines.

Kunming Airlines is expected to operate flights between Kunming and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries in the near future, as the Yunnan provincial government is building Kunming as a main air hub between China, Southeast Asia and South Asia.