Xiamen Airlines on Feb 10 launched a direct air route linking Hangzhou, the capital of East China's Zhejiang province, with Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Flight MF8701 took off from Hangzhou International Airport and landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Feb 10 night, marking the opening of the route.

The daily service utilizes a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will operate through March 28.

Outbound flights are scheduled to depart Hangzhou at 7:45 pm Beijing time and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 10:50 pm local time. Return flights depart at 6:25 am local time and reach Hangzhou at 11:05 am Beijing time.

The new route is expected to be a convenient travel option for people in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas, and to boost trade and cultural exchange between the two cities as demand for international travel heats up for China's Spring Festival holiday.