China Southern Airlines has launched service between China and Nigeria.

Offering passengers an intermediary stop between China and Africa in Dubai, China Southern's new service features the airline's Airbus A330 aircraft, with China Southern's Premium Business Class mini-pod, flat bed seating.

"Nigeria is playing an increasingly important role in the international community," said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman, China Southern Airlines. Liu made his comments at the welcoming ceremony today at Lagos' Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Outbound flights will depart Beijing every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; return flights depart Lagos on every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with arrival at Beijing on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

Bilateral trade between China and Africa has an average growth rate of 23.6% and Nigeria has become one of China's important trading partners in Africa. Today, more than 30 Chinese enterprises have been established in Nigeria, which involve an accumulated investment of over US$100 million, with expanding levels of investment.

Lagos' Murtala Mohammed International Airport is located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, and is the major airport serving the entire nation. Recent years have seen substantial improvements at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Malfunctioning and non-operational infrastructure such as air conditioning and luggage belts have been repaired. The entire airport has been cleaned, and many new restaurants and duty-free stores have opened. Bilateral Air Services Agreements signed between Nigeria and other countries are being revived and new ones signed. Airlines expected to begin or have begun operation to MMIA include Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Malaysia Airlines.