CHENGDU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Sichuan Airlines on Wednesday launched the first direct flight to Israel from southwest China in a bid to meet rising passenger demand.

The flight links Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with Tel Aviv, Israel's second-largest city, with a one-way flight taking about 10 hours.

The airline will use an Airbus A330 for flights departing on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Israel welcomed over 110,000 Chinese visitors in 2017, up 45 percent year on year.

Amir Lati, consul general of Israel in Chengdu, said the direct flight will not only bring about booming tourism, but will also serve as a catalyst for full cooperation between the two countries.

The flight will greatly boost exchanges and cooperation in all fields between Israel and southwest China, said Lati.