CHINA will open the country's first direct air route to South America, from Beijing to Sao Paulo, Brazil starting in January.

Chinese state media reported that the route will be operated through a code-sharing arrangement between Air China and Varig, Brazil's national carrier.

Air China will fly from Beijing to Frankfurt, while Varig will fly from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Total travel time for the trip will be 27 hours. Both the Chinese and Brazilian governments have already given their approval for the service. According to China's country manager for Varig, Cesar Yu, the two airlines are just waiting for final approval from German officials.

Executives from both airlines hope the new connection will promote economic, cultural, tourist and sports exchanges between the two nations, Xinhua added.