A view of the Boeing B787 aircraft. CHINA DAILY

China Southern Airlines will open a new direct air route between Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, and Doha, Qatar, starting April 22, providing more convenient choices for travelers from the two countries.

The new direct flights will operate four times a week, and the route will be operated with a Boeing 787 model, according to a statement from China Southern, one of the country's major airlines.

Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines will also collaborate with Qatar Airways to carry out code-sharing business cooperation. The upcoming Guangzhou-Doha route is included in the scope of this cooperation.

Han Wensheng, president of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, said the new air route between Guangzhou and Doha would promote connectivity between China and countries and regions involved in the country's Belt and Road Initiative and promote economic, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Qatar as well.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said his company welcomed its code-sharing partner, China Southern Airlines.

"Our strategic cooperation is a testament to our commitment to building a transportation bridge between the two countries and bringing more convenience to travelers," he said.

"China, as one of our core strategic markets, will promote the development of trade and tourism between the two countries through our network connectivity," he added.