China's southernmost Yongxing Island in Sansha City is planning to launch commercial flights, after a civil aircraft for Spring Festival arrived on Saturday.

Hainan Airlines on Saturday provided the first civil flight for 150 passengers to Yongxing Island, the seat of the Sansha government.

Launching civil aviation on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea is considered vital to safeguard the islands and help provide supplies to the people living there.

Ren Jiaojiao went to the island to see her husband who has been stationed on the island with the navy.

They had not seen each other for a whole year and she felt lucky to get this chance.

"I think it's great as I can visit my husband. Also, I've never before been to Yongxing Island."

In the past, travelers had to spend about 10 hours on a ship to get to Yongxing Island.

Regular commercial flights to Yongxing and other islands will cut this time to about 90 minutes.

Local authorities say the launch of the civil aviation business is one of the city's many efforts to improve the quality of life there, and it will not be long before flights become routine for family members during the holidays.

Sansha City mayor Xiao Jie has spent all of his Chinese New Year holidays on the island since taking office.

"I hope living conditions on the island can be further improved in the future. And I wish through this visit, the people of Sansha can feel greater happiness in having a more festive New Year."

Yongxing Island Airport will serve as a crucial hub in the South China Sea.

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