China's Hainan Airlines will operate direct flights to New York from the southwestern cities of Chongqing and Chengdu, according to the airline.

The Chongqing-New York route, scheduled to launch on Oct. 20, will be the first direct connection between China's southwest and New York.

On Oct 26., the airline will launch a non-stop flight between Chengdu and New York, it said.

The two routes will strengthen tourism, economic and cultural cooperation between China and the United States.

Hainan Airlines currently operates 12 direct flight routes between China and North America.