China Southern sets record with direct Shenzhen-Mexico City flight

On Saturday, May 11, 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 Mexico City. The connection is record-breaking—it will be the longest regular flight from China, ranking eighth among the world's longest flights.

An Airbus A350 will operate the connection. The aircraft must cover more than 14,000 kilometres (approximately 8,700 miles) one way.

As the carrier reports, the inaugural flight will occur on May 11. The journey from Shenzhen in southern China to Mexico will last 16 hours non-stop. Flights will occur 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 refuelling stop in Tijuana. During the stop, passengers are not allowed to leave the airplane. Connections to Shenzhen will occur on Wednesdays and Sundays starting May 12th.

Until now, the longest route from China was the China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou to New York, covering a distance of nearly 13,000 kilometres (about 8,078 miles).

The world record, on the other hand, belongs to the connection from Singapore to New York. The Singapore Airlines plane covers approximately 15,300 kilometres (about 9,500 miles) and lasts 19 hours. An Airbus A350 also operates this route.

Singapore Airlines emphasizes that the airplanes are designed with high ceilings and LED lighting to enhance passenger comfort. The cabins feature more windows, and special attention has been paid to ensuring proper cabin ventilation.

Source: CNN, WP Travel