BEIJING, June 22  -- A total of 46,000 air passenger trips were made between China and Georgia since the air route was launched three years ago, the latest data from China Southern Airlines showed.

The flight service by China Southern Airlines between Urumqi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, was commenced in June 2011 to promote business and personnel exchanges.

China has become the fourth largest trade partner of Georgia. From January to May, China Southern Airlines transported over 26 tonnes of cargo on the route.