A regular direct air route will be launched on June 12 connecting Rome and Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/VCG]

A regular direct air route will be launched on June 12 connecting Rome and Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported on April 18.

Operated by Air China, the flights, using an A330-200 aircraft, will commute between Xiaoshan International Airport and Fiumicino International Airport in Rome every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The flight time from Hangzhou to Rome is expected to be around 13 hours.

The flight is the first direct flight to Rome to be opened by Air China in East China, as well as the fourth direct passenger air route connecting Europe and Hangzhou. It aims to provide more diversified travel options for passengers traveling between China and Europe.

The Hangzhou-Rome airline will play an important part in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and is expected to advance bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism and culture between China and Italy, said Ding Hong, general manager of Air China Zhejiang Branch.

Hangzhou will also open new international routes to St. Petersburg and Cario, while continuing to expand its cargo airlines network with the Philippines, the United States, and Belgium.