HAIKOU, Dec. 4 -- A Chinese city will share 200 million yuan (29 million U.S. dollars) among 37 Chinese and foreign aerial companies and a local airport to support the opening of new air routes.

According to the government of Haikou, capital city of south China's island province of Hainan, China Southern Airlines received about 26 million yuan, the largest amount awarded among the recipients.

The passenger throughput of Haikou Meilan International Airport has posted growth of 16 percent this year.

The local government hopes the rewards could help expedite development of new air routes connecting the city with the rest of the world and promote its tourism.