Direct flight links China's Sanya, Russia

A new direct flight was launched Sunday, connecting Sanya, a popular beach resort in south China's Hainan province, and Samara, a key transportation hub of Russia.

The air route is run by Russia's iFly Airlines, with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Two round trips are scheduled every week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The route is expected to boost business and tourism exchanges between the two cities.