The first international air route linking Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, with overseas destinations, is to be launched in May, said the provincial airport group.

Changbei Airport will be raised to international status for overseas airlines following the state assessment, said the group.

Local passengers have to transfer in Shanghai and Beijing for journeys abroad.

The first international route will first link Nanchang and Osaka in Japan, said the group.

The Changbei airport recorded a traffic volume of 1 million passengers in 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2004)