(Yicai Global) May 30 -- China has completed its first air freight flight between Harbin, capital of northern Heilongjiang province and Los Angeles, US, marking the start of the first regular cargo route between China's northern region and North America.

A Southern Airlines flight took off from Los Angeles on May 28 arriving early the next day in Harbin, taking 11.5 hours, China News Service reported, adding that the service will take place weekly carrying 80 tons of goods each time.

During the initial operation period, the flight will transport imported household products, as well as mother and baby and healthcare products, while there are plans to add goods such as seafood and fruits at a later date. China Southern also aims to nurture business relations in the US with the hope of cementing a two-way operation on the route.

The flight service leverages Harbin's geographical position. The city boasts one of the shortest flight times between China and the US in the country. Harbin's strategic position is also of significance as it in the center of Northeast Asia. It is becoming a key hub for the country's Belt and Road Initiative, a grand 30 to 40-year national plan to develop vast infrastructure and trade routes embracing the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa.

Editor: William Clegg