THE mainland's China Southern Airlines is negotiating with the Government of Peru to operate a direct service between the two nations, Xinhua reported.

The agency report said talks on the issue were continuing following the recent visit to Guangdong by the Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo.

The president said air services between the two countries will not only provide convenience for tourists from Guangdong to Peru, but will also boost trade between the mainland and the South American state, Xinhua added. Meanwhile, China Southern is to launch an air service between Shenzhen and Nayang in Henan province.

Nanyang government officials were quoted in a Xinhua report saying the service will begin on June 17, and will operate thrice weekly - on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The report said the two-hour flight will depart Nanyang 1100 hrs (local time) and arrive in Shenzhen at 1300 hrs (local time). The return flight will leave Shenzhen 1340 hrs (local time) and arrive in Nanyang at 1540 hrs (local time).

Xinhua said the new service will be the 14th air service operating out of Nanyang Airport.