BEIJING -- Air China will resume its flights from Beijing to Okinawa from July 3, the company announced on Saturday.

Air China started flying to Okinawa in January 2012, but suspended the service because of lack of passengers.

The airline will offer two flights each week with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Flight CA831 will leave Beijing at 1:20 pm and return flight CA832 will take off at 6:30 pm (both local time).

The service will bring the number of Japanese cities served by Air China up to 10 and the number of round-trip direct flights between the two countries to over 260 every week, according to the airline.

Known as Eastern Hawaii, Okinawa is one of the world's most visited destinations and boasts beautiful scenery, a mild climate and rich cultural heritage.