JINAN - The first direct air route connecting Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, and Europe will be launched next month, the airport announced Thursday.

The Jinan-Milan route, set to begin service May 19, will be operated by Italian Neos airlines once a week, said a manager with the Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport.

Flight NO957, which will operate via a Boeing 767 aircraft, is scheduled to depart Jinan airport every Friday at 11 pm, while the return flight is scheduled for 2:40 am local time from the Milan-Malpensa Airport.

A one-way trip will take around 11 to 12 hours, according to the manager.

The route will help boost trade and cultural exchanges between Shandong and its neighboring regions and European countries, he said at a press conference.

Shandong is rich in tourism resources. Famous resorts in the province include Mount Tai, the hometown of ancient philosopher Confucius in Qufu, and coastal sites such as Yantai and Weihai.