Chinese budget airline Spring Airlines is awaiting government approval to launch non-stop service between Shanghai Pudong airport and Pyongyang, the China Aviation Daily news service said on Friday.

If approved the airline will reportedly commence a four-times per week service on the Shanghai-Pyongyang route, which using Airbus A320 aircraft, would increase airline capacity into North Korea by 720 seats each direction.

It would also mark the first time a budget airline company enters the DPRK flight market, as well as introduce the first ever scheduled service between Shanghai and Pyongyang.

Currently, only chartered services during peak tourist seasons are offered