Shenzhen authoritiesin southern China areoffering subsidies to airlinesthat launch all-cargoroutes from Shenzhen InternationalAirport to spureconomic growth and thedevelopment of the industry,reports said.

Companies will be eligiblefor a subsidy of up to10 million yuan (US$1.29million) for each aircraftannually, provided theybase their operations fromShenzhen airport, Xinhuareports.

The report said that ifa carrier launched internationalair cargo servicesfrom Shenzhen, they willqualify for the subsidyregardless of whether ornot they make Shenzhenairport their operationalbase.

Domestic air cargo carriers,which make Shenzhentheir operational base, willalso be eligible for the subsidy.Successful applicantsare required to offer a minimumof 50 flights each yearto and from Shenzhen.