To encourage airlines to open more international air routes, Xinjiang Airport is giving preferential treatment to carriers taking off or landing at the Urumqi International Airport.

A Chinese or foreign airline that opens an international air route with a flying period of less than five hours will get free landings at the Urumqi International Airport in the first six months.

The carrier will pay only 50 percent of the charge in the second six-month period and the full charge starting from the second year.

Xinjiang had 46 international and regional airlines in 2005 and the number will probably reach 61 by the end of 2010. The annual passenger throughput for 2010 is expected to be 13.28 million.