WUHAN - Singapore Airlines will open a direct air route between Singapore and the central Chinese city of Wuhan on April 24, authorities in Hubei Province said.

Three round-trip flights will fly between the International hub and Hubei's provincial capital on a weekly basis, according to a statement from Wuhan's foreign affairs office.

The direct flights will serve the booming trade between the two sides, as apparent by the year-on-year increase of trade volume and greater Singapore investment in Wuhan, the statement said.

According to the office, Wuhan is also considering setting up a Singapore consulate to facilitate the visa process.