Low-budget carrier opens Shanghai-Seoul flights

China's largest low-budget carrier Spring Airlines announced Wednesday the launch of its second direct route to South Korea, a step to further complete its East Asian aviation network as domestic market becomes more saturated.

Spring Airlines Co Ltd, a privately run carrier based in Shanghai, said a direct flight between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Seoul Incheon International Airport will start service on September 23. The new direct flight, available on every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, is the 11th international route it added this year.

According to Zhang Wu'an, spokesman for the carrier, international flights currently account for 18 percent of its total flights, but still lags behind the target of 25 percent set for this year.

Low fare remains the biggest attraction of the carrier's new route, as passengers are able to order tickets for as low as of 99 yuan ($16).

Prior to the new route, Spring Airlines operated Shanghai-Jeju Island service. Jeju is the largest island in South Korea and a popular destination for Chinese tourists.