China Eastern Airlines will launch direct flights between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital of Cairo on December 11.

In doing so, it will become the first Chinese carrier to operate direct flights from Shanghai to North African cities.

The Shanghai-Cairo flight will be operated every Monday, Thursday and Saturday (local time). Flights will be from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Cairo International Airport. Tickets for the return flight are already available for sale, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

Cairo is the largest African city and an important center of economy, culture and transportation in North Africa and the Middle East.

The launch of this direct flight is expected to further facilitate trade, tourism and culture communications and collaborations between the two nations, said the airline.