KUNMING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Lucky Air, a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, will launch direct flights linking Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with Chiang Mai in Thailand, from July 1.

The flight will be operated by Boeing 737-800 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, according to the airline.

The route will be launched to meet the needs of a growing number of tourists from Yunnan to Thailand.

Lucky Air has already opened air routes between Kunming and Thai airports in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi.