China Eastern Airlines launched Sunday a regular direct air route between Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Bangkok, Thailand.

The 4 hours and 20 minutes two-way trip will be conducted by Airbus A320, and it's scheduled to operate every five days, the Ningxia Airport Company said.

The flight takes off from Yinchuan at 11:55 p.m. and arrives in Bangkok at 4:15 a.m. the next day. The returning flight departs from Bangkok at 5:15 a.m. and lands in Yinchuan at 9:20 a.m.

The new route is the first direct route linking the two cities. According to the company, the new airline is expected to boost economic exchange and tourism of the two cities.