Budget carrier plans more plane purchases

9Air Co Ltd, the first budget carrier in Guangdong province offering fares for as low as 9 yuan ($1.44), will soon introduce more aircraft from Boeing Co to open more low-cost flights in China and neighboring Southeast Asian countries, a company manager said.

"We are making efforts to meet the growing market demand from domestic and overseas travelers who prefer low-cost flights," said Huang Hui, assistant general manager of 9Air Co.

The company began its first commercial service on Thursday with a flight between Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, and Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province.

Jointly backed by Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines, Elion Resources Group and Macrolink Group, the budget carrier offers fares that are at least 20 to 30 percent cheaper than current market levels, company officials said.

The Guangzhou-Harbin route makes a stopover in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, where a growing number of travelers demand low-cost service.

"We are providing services that benefit travelers and the entire airline market," Huang said.

Huang said, 9Air will soon buy its third aircraft from Boeing and open another domestic route.

The company sells tickets via its official app, on WeChat, a popular instant message platform, and through other sales channels.