China Eastern has become the latest carrier to gain approval from the Shenzhen government for its “cash for cargo” subsidy aimed at boosting the attractiveness of Shenzhen Bao’an Airport in the hotly contested region.

The Shenzhen government is offering subsidies to cargo airlines worth millions of dollars in a bold bid to attract carriers to Bao’an Airport in the intensely competitive Pearl River Delta.

The Shenzhen government said the three-year period offer only applies to freighters and carriers operating international and domestic routes that were opened on or after July 1, 2005, and with an additional qualifier that the carriers will also need to fly at least 50 flights a year to qualify.