Sichuan Airlines launched a direct flight between southwest China's Chengdu city and Melbourne, Australia, on Feb 28. The new route is the first direct flight from west China to Oceania.

The airline will run three flights every Monday, Thursday and Saturday on the Chengdu-Melbourne route using Airbus A330 airplanes. A one-way trip takes about 10.5 hours.

The opening of the flight should boost bilateral cooperation in commerce and trade, tourism, and education. The Australian government has scheduled the establishment of a visa application center in Chengdu this year for tourists flying from Chengdu to Australia.

Sichuan Airlines will open another one to two flights from Chengdu to Europe or the United States this year, according to a news release from the company.