CHENGDU, June 19 -- China Eastern Airlines is set to launch a new international route linking west China's Chengdu City with Naha, capital of Japan's Okinawa Prefecture.

The airline said on Thursday that the route to be opened in the middle of July will be the third direct air link after Beijing and Shanghai in China to connect with Naha.

The airline plans to operate three two-way flights a week.

Boasting subtropical island resorts, Okinawa is one of Japan's major tourist destinations.

Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, has become an air transport hub in China's mid-west. It offers 74 international air routes.