Delegates from home and abroad visit Kunming's exhibition area at the Routes Asia 2015 on March 15.[Photo/Li Jincan]

The Routes Asia 2015 conference drew to a close in the host city of Kunming on March 17, with more than a dozen agreements being formed between Yunnan and other aviation-related companies.

The event, which first opened its doors in 2003 as an annual regional aviation forum, has attracted hundreds of representatives from airports, airlines and tourism agencies worldwide, who came to discuss how to improve the route network in the Asian-Pacific region.

A series of activities were arranged during the forum, such as high-end summits, scenic spot investigation, signing ceremonies and one-on-one discussions. The activities were held with the aim of giving participants a better view of Yunnan and increasing mutual understanding.

To make the best use of the networking opportunities at the event, Yunnan Airport Group talked with nearly 60 airlines and airports from home and abroad about opening new airline routes and setting marketing goals; the results were encouraging.

AirAsia Airlines, a Malaysian company founded in 2001, has decided to open six international routes, which will allow Yunnan residents to travel abroad at cheaper prices. Spring Airline, a Chinese company founded in 2004, will also open two routes to Japan and South Asia.

In addition, Taiwan’s Tigerair also plans to open a direct flight between Taiwan and Kunming; its maiden flight will be priced cheaply at 100 yuan.

Edited by Ma Zhenhuan and Jacob Hooson