The inaugural flight of Macao to Tianjin municipality in north China will be launched on March 29, according to a press release delivered Thursday by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.

The direct flight will be operated by Xiamen Airlines, a Chinese mainland carrier, which the leaders of the two cities deem will "complement each other with their respective advantages" and benefit the tourism industry, according to the press release.

Macao International Airport Company, operator of the city's only airport, said five new airlines were introduced to Macao in 2007, which, along with the original 11 airlines, currently operate 31 flight routes both for cargo and passengers.

The SAR government will hold a ceremony at the Macao International Airport marking the inaugural flight on March 29, and organize a series of promotional activities in Tianjin to showcase the uniqueness of Macao's history and culture as well as the diversity of its tourism products to the Tianjin citizens.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2008)