BEIJING, July 3 -- Air China on Friday launched non-stop flights between Beijing and Hakodate, Japan, to meet a surge in demand by Chinese tourists.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft will depart twice a week on Monday and Friday. The outbound flights depart at 12:10 p.m. Beijing time and arrive in Hakodate at 4:35 p.m. local time. The return flights depart Hakodate at 5:45 p.m. local time and arrive in Beijing at 8:45 p.m. Beijing time.

"Air China understands the high value of the Japanese market. We hope to fully utilize our quality services and extensive route network to further economic and cultural exchanges, and cooperation between China and Japan," Air China marketing department said.

Tourism is a positive area in the often bumpy relationship between China and Japan. Last year, more than 2.4 million Chinese tourists visited Japan.

To further boost tourism, China has proposed that both countries name and promote 10 tourist destinations.