China Southern Airlines to add more overseas routes

Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines<600029><1055> plans to launch about eight international routes this year in a bid to boost its global network as well as its revenue, sources reported.

Currently, profit from China Southern's overseas routes almost accounts for 19% of the company's total income and the company has plans to increase the figure to 25% or 30% in five years, according to Liu Shaoyong, Chairman of China Southern.

China Southern decided to launch the Beijing-London route in the fourth quarter of this year. However, it still awaits regulatory approval.

Earlier this year, China Southern signed a framework agreement with China Eastern Airlines<600115><670> to cooperate in sectors like ground handling and operations, marketing and aircraft procurement. It also plans to open a cargo venture with Air France-KLM Group, sources said.

Last year, the company's net income surged to RMB 1.85 billion, or RMB 0.42 per share, up 786.12% from a year earlier, according to the company's annual report of 2007.