BEIJING - Air China will launch a nonstop flight between Beijing and Auckland, New Zealand, on Dec 10, the first direct flight from the Chinese capital to New Zealand, the airline said Friday.

The route will play an instrumental role in promoting political, cultural and economic exchanges, and tourism between the two countries, the company said in a statement.

The Beijing-Auckland route will be operated on a daily basis and initially be plied by the Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the airline said.

Air China and Air New Zealand will start a tie-up on the route.

"By working together with Air New Zealand, Air China will continue to solidify its nonstop operations and benefit travelers in both China and New Zealand," said the president of Air China, Song Zhiyong.