Air China launched services to the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, turning Naha (OKA) into its sixth Japanese destination served out of the airline's base at Beijing (PEK).

As of January 11, Okinawa will be served with a twice-weekly frequency using 737-800 aircraft configured for 167 passengers. The route has been operated since mid-August last year, when it became Hainan Airlines' first Japanese destination. Providing the same weekly frequency, Hainan Airlines will be Air China's only competitor.