Hainan Airlines, a flagship subsidiary of HNA Group, has launched 38 air routes linking China with the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road, helping to stimulate tourism and facilitate Chinese investment and trade.

The Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013 aims to revive ancient trade routes and improve global connectivity and infrastructure.

One of the initiative's focuses is the relationship of international and domestic markets. Interconnection does not rely on camels or horses on the ancient Silk Road anymore. Nowadays the aviation industry serves as an air-bridge, according to Sun Jianfeng, president of Hainan Airlines.