SOME travel companies in Singapore and China have joined forces to launch twice-weekly direct flights between Singapore and Nanning in southern China on Jetstar Asia.

The scheduled service, which will run until March next year, is mounted by Singapore's ASA Holidays and AZ Holidays in partnership with a tour operator in Nanning, and supported by a consortium of Singapore-based tour operators.

According to a press statement issued by ASA Holidays, the inaugural flight on April 14 has been filled.

Jetstar Asia is said to be the only operator to provide direct routes between Singapore and Nanning after other carriers, such as China Eastern ceased serving this route last month. Travellers from Singapore can now reach Nanning in 3.5 hours. Without the direct connection, travellers from Singapore have to fly almost eight hours to the Chinese city via Guangzhou or Hong Kong.

The flight will depart from Singapore Changi Airport every Wednesday and Saturday.