China launches world's eighth-longest flight: Shenzhen to Mexico City
On Saturday, 11 May, the first flight on one of the longest routes in the world will take place—from Shenzhen, China, to the capital of Mexico. Passengers will spend 16 hours on the plane and, due to a stopover, over 21 hours on the way back.
China Southern Airlines is launching its first-ever direct flight from Shenzhen to the capital of Mexico. The connection is record-breaking—it will be the longest regular flight from China and take eighth place on the list of the longest flights in the world.
Record-breaking connection from China
An Airbus A350 will operate the connection. The aircraft will have to cover more than 14,000 kilometres one way.
As the carrier reports, the inaugural flight will take place on 11 May. The journey from Shenzhen in southern China to Mexico will last 16 hours non-stop. Flights will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Interestingly, the return flight - from the capital of Mexico to southern China - will take 5 hours longer. The estimated travel time is 21 hours and 20 minutes. The difference is due to the need for a refueling stop in Tijuana. During the stop, passengers are not allowed to leave the aeroplane. Connections to Shenzhen will occur on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting from 12 May.
Until now, the longest route from China was the China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou to New York, which covers a distance of nearly 13,000 kilometres.
On the other hand, the world record is the connection from Singapore to New York. The Singapore Airlines plane covers 15,300 kilometres and lasts 19 hours. An Airbus A350 also operates this route.
Singapore Airlines emphasizes that the airplanes are specially designed. The cabins have high ceilings and LED lighting. To ensure passengers are comfortable during the flight, there are also more windows. Special attention was also paid to proper cabin ventilation.
