BEIJING—Chinese authorities have moved to approve operations by Zhongzhou Airlines, an intended freight carrier to be based in central China.

The company intends to use Boeing 737 freighters, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said, confirming plans mentioned in January when promoters applied to set up the business.

Privately owned Zhongzhou Airlines has basically completed preparations for operations, the CAAC said, adding that it has conducted an initial assessment for the company’s application for a public air transportation license. When an applicant reaches this stage, issuance of the license usually quickly follows.

The company has nominated Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport as its base and intends to fly domestically and internationally.

Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan, a province near the middle of China’s main population zone. The city and provincial governments are promoting Xinzheng airport as a freight center. The CAAC will have considered their policy as support for the establishment of Zhongzhou Airlines.

—Research by Ryan Wang