NAIROBI - A direct air route between China's Guangzhou and the Kenyan capital Nairobi is set to begin operation in August, the China Southern Airlines said Wednesday.

"African countries and China have established strong economic ties. The launch of a direct flight connecting Nairobi and Guangzhou will ease travel and promote trade," Li Dongliang, head of sales division of the airlines, told Xinhua in Nairobi.

He said the route is commercially viable given the huge number of Kenyans travelling to China for business and further studies.

Li said there will be three weekly flights that will cater for a large pool of passengers from the two cities. The flight will take 11 hours 15 minutes from Nairobi to Guangzhou and vice versa.

"It is no doubt the new service will benefit Chinese and African passengers. We are expecting more Chinese tourists to visit Kenya," said Li.

China Southern Airlines and Kenya Airways are members of Skyteam alliance.

Li noted that passengers from China, Japan, South Korea and Australia will be able to connect easily to Nairobi courtesy of this alliance.

China Southern Airlines will offer budget friendly and innovative service to remain competitive in the African market.

Li disclosed passengers on the three maiden flights will enjoy heavily discounted air fare. The price for the round trip between Nairobi and Guangzhou will roughly cost 766 dollars between August 5 to 10.