The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted initial approval for the launch of Longhao Air, a new private carrier being financed by local company, Guangdong Longhao Group. Based at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Longhao Air plans to fly domestic and international cargo and mail services—including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau—using a fleet of B737 aircraft.

The airline’s parent company announced the acquisition last year of 50 EV-55 aircraft which have a cargo capacity of 1.8 tonnes each from Czech aircraft manufacturer Evector. Guangdong Longhao Group provides transportation and logistics services as well as highway, infrastructure, and public works investment and construction.