A new direct flight was launched on June 24, connecting Baotou in North China’s Inner Mongolia with Shanghai, according to local media.

Operated by Juneyao Airlines on an Airbus A320, the Shanghai-Baotou-Ulanqab flight is scheduled to fly three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday.

The flight departs Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 15:20, stopping in Baotou at 18:25 before arriving in Ulanqab at 19:50. The return flight leaves Ulanqab at 20:30, stopping in Baotou at 21:10, and landing in Shanghai at 00:35.

A Baotou resident surnamed Zhang expressed his excitement over the launch of the new flight. Zhang works in Ulanqab. He was one of the passengers on the maiden flight and bought a ticket at a price of 200 yuan ($30) which is nearly the same price as a high-speed rail ticket.

Also, to further provide convenience for residents and boost ties with other regions, Baotou Airport launched a new direct flight to Irkutsk, Russia on the same day.

Baotou launches a new flight linking the city with Shanghai on June 24. [Photo/baotounews.com.cn]

The launch ceremony for the new flight takes place on June 24 [Photo/carnoc.com]