China to approve private airline

If China's aviation regulator grants an operating license to Okay Airways Co. as expected, the Beijing-based carrier will become the first private airline authorized to serve the mainland and will likely begin services in March, state media reported. Three other private airlines are expected to receive operating licenses: Shanghai-based Spring International Airlines; Eagle Airlines, and Huaxia Airlines. China began lifting controls on private investment in airlines in early 2004. Separately, the United Arab Emirates' main air carrier said it would begin flying daily from Dubai to Beijing in 2006.