Cut-priced tickets for frequent fliers

Monthly package will bring down costs for passengers flying between Dalian and Yantai

Frequent fliers between Dalian and Yantai will be able to buy cut-priced monthly tickets.

The plan was rolled out on Monday by Dalian International Airport and budget airline Joyair.

A monthly package of four tickets will cost 360 yuan ($53). "During the trial operation, more than 500 tickets were sold in the first month," said Fu Jianhong, vice-president of Joyair.

Dalian is located on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, while Yantai is in the east of the Shandong Peninsula. Both are important cities around the Bohai Sea.

Although the distance between the two cities is only 106 kilometers, it takes more than six hours by sea. By air, it takes only 50 minutes.

Like the Beijing Shanghai (Hongqiao) Air Express, Dalian and Yantai airports have exclusive counters for the flights.

These provide quick check-ins and security checks for designated passages.

"People flying between the two cities will enjoy the services," said He Dayong, manager of the market development department of Dalian airport. "It will be as convenient as taking a bus."

Chinese-made Modern Ark 60 aircraft are used for the route and the turnaround is just 20 minutes between flights.

Connections between Dalian and Yantai have become more frequent with Joyair and Tianjin Airlines shuttling passengers between the two cities.

"The daily flights between Yantai and Dalian have increased from six last year to 10," said He. "The flights will run from 8 am until around 11 pm."

Dalian airport also provides free shuttle services between Dalianbei Railway Station, also known as the northern railway station of Dalian.

"Dalian airport will deepen cooperation with airline companies in the future," said He. "The air express between Dalian and Weihai of Shandong province will also start operation in the coming months."