Guilin Airlines is reported to launch services in May, and is now pending approval by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The start-up planning is intended to boost the development of the tourism industry in Guilin.

The carrier will be a joint venture between Hainan Airlines parent, HNA Group, and the Guilin Municipal government. HNA vice chairman Chen Wenli said, Guilin Airlines intends to commence flights using three aircraft with plans to expand its fleet to 30 in three years.

The CAAC is expected to approve the launch. Since last year, China loosen its grip on civil aviation and approve more new domestic airline entrants. China's local governments are competing to develop airlines' business to stimulate local economic growth. There are 15 known airlines that either plan to launch or have launched in recent months.

In Jauuary, Guilin municipal government signed a strategic cooperation framework with HNA Group to launch Guilin Airlines. And moreover, they will aslo parter in the fields of air travel, including finace and network.