China's southernmost Hainan Province increased eight international air routes in the past year, the provincial government sources said in Haikou Sunday.

The eight international air routes are opened by seven foreign airline companies including Asiana Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, making the international air routes of the province rising to 51.

Statistics from the provincial government show that Hainan saw 3,479 international flights during the first 11 months last year, 31.60 percent more than the same period in 2004.

As China's first province to open up part of the aviation rights to overseas airlines, Hainan has attracted 14 foreign air companies since July 2003, opening 28 international air routes linking the island province with the world.

Source: Xinhua