Hongtu Airlines (Kunming Changshui) president Tang Longcheng says his airline is to commence domestic operations during the last quarter of this year should the arrival of three A320-200s go according to schedule.

According to WCARN, the carrier is still pursuing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) with Tang aiming for a launch in October at the earliest or December at the latest.

With CNY600 million (USD96.6 million) in initial funding, the Yunnan-based start-up is backed by a consortium of private investors lead by Kunming Evergreen Financing, which holds a 30% stake in the carrier; local tycoon Tang Longcheng with 20% with the remaining 50% held by a group of five local companies each owning a 10% share.