CANBERRA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Northern Territory (NT) welcomed its newest international airline on Wednesday, with the first Donghai Airlines flight from Shenzhen touching down in Darwin.

Billed as a potential game-changer for both trade links and Asian tourism in the NT, the five-and-a-half hour flight is the shortest between mainland Australia and China.

A large crowd turned out at Darwin's International Airport - including Chinese dragon dancers and even baby crocodiles - to greet the first direct airline service between China and the NT.

NT Tourism Minister Lauren Moss said she was optimistic that the opportunity could boost Territory businesses, describing the touchdown on the first flight as a "momentous occasion".

"It is just the beginning for everyone and there is still a lot of hard work to be done," Moss said late on Wednesday.

"It is going to be a challenge; we need to make sure everyone is China-ready, really wanting to welcome and make the most of the opportunities that this will bring.

"The first arrivals on Donghai have full itineraries and their experiences are going to be very important."

Northern Territory Airports CEO Ian Kew said it was up to NT's tourism industry to capitalize on this opportunity and reap the rewards, urging operators to take the China travel market seriously.

"Donghai Airlines and Shenzhen have made it clear they are serious about Darwin and the Territory as a travel destination and our industry needs to reciprocate," Kew said.

"These new services mean a lot to us. Each Chinese tourist returning home from Darwin with a good story to tell could translate into more tourists being inspired to follow.

"Third-party endorsement is a powerful tool and in a large market like Shenzhen and beyond, it can be very potent and rewarding for our tourism industry. This service is going to be very special to the Territory."

Donghai chief executive Yang Jianhong was on board of the first service with chairman Huang Chubiao to celebrate the convenience of the shortest flight from China, and its "fastest growing city" to mainland Australia.

"This is the first intercontinental flight by a Boeing 737 and it is the shortest flight to mainland Australia, taking five-and-a-half hours," he said.

"We are providing a more convenient and economic choice for passengers from both Darwin and Shenzhen."?