KUNMING, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- A new direct flight was launched Monday, connecting Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, and Haiphong of Vietnam.

It is the first direct air route that connects Kunming with Haiphong, Vietnam's third largest city, said the operator of the flight, Ruili Airlines.

Flights are scheduled every day, with a Boeing 737NG aircraft. The outbound flight is DR5027, and the return flight is DR5028, according to the company.

The route is expected to further facilitate the exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, and tourism between the two countries.