2007 saw a leap in the amount of air traffic between China and Myanmar (Burma) and according to an official from Myanmar's civil aviation authority it is due to China Southern's new links.

The official also noted that because of the carrier's new Sky Team membership and the opening of a new China Southern office in Yangon, the good numbers were sure to continue.

The eleven months up to November saw air traffic volumes between the two countries grow 94% when compared to the whole year figures for 2006, reported Chinese national media.

China Southern in July had launched direct return Guangzhou–Yangon services in the 120-seat Airbus A319 three times a week.

And a sign of the up and up, Hong Kong Express Airways has become the fourth Chinese carrier to start services to Myanmar, alongside Air China, China Eastern and China Southern.

Since bilateral air agreements were reached in 1955, Air China has been operating Beijing–Kunming–Yangon services.