Sep. 11--The state airport system has given China Airlines a $1 million "incentive" to keep flying passengers to the state.

Alaska International Airport System officials said the move would bring new tourists to the state and most likely keep vendors from pulling out of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport's North Terminal.

"China Airlines applied, was accepted, and has begun participating and providing additional flights under the AIAS-Asia passenger incentive program this summer," said Christine Klein, deputy commissioner of aviation with the Alaska Department of Transportation.

The program's purpose is to boost passenger traffic between Alaska and Asia, as well as to enhance economic opportunities and strengthen commercial and cultural ties between the regions.

Taipei-based China Air accepted the offer to add one flight weekly to its three weekly winter flight schedule only days after the incentive was announced for the carrier. This comes after China Air indicated last fall that it would stop flying to the Anchorage airport.

Messages to China Airlines for comment were not returned.

Under the program, a participating airline pays the normal rates and fees to use the airport until it has completed providing the new or expanded service in the agreement.