Summary
- Shenzhen Airlines has launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona, providing a link between China’s tech hub and Spain’s art and architecture scene.
- The airline will operate the route twice weekly with a plan to expand in the longer term, offering a complete of over 10 international and inter-regional direct routes from Shenzhen.
- Shenzhen Airlines’ fleet of A330-300s allows for increased passenger capability and helps support the expansion of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.
China’s Shenzhen Airlines launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona on Monday. The route links China’s tech hub with the northeast coast of Spain, known for its art and architecture. The flight is the second European route that the carrier operates. It comes as each Shenzhen and Barcelona are reportedly celebrating the second anniversary of creating friendly ties.
Flight details
In accordance with data from Flightradar24.com, Shenzhen Airlines flight 9065 (ZH9065) departed from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) at 12:19 on Monday. The Airbus A330-300 aircraft, registered as B-1017, took off from runway 15 and continued southeast over Qianhai Bay before turning east over Shenzhen. At nearly 7,000 feet, the aircraft turned north to intercept its flight path to Barcelona. Once past the Dalang Residential District, the plane was headed northwest and reached its initial cruising altitude of 34,000 feet at roughly 01:15.
Flying over western Mongolia, the aircraft had climbed to 36,000 feet and was traveling at around 515 mph. A number of hours later, B-1017 reached a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet and continued toward Spain. Inside the last five hours of the flight, the plane flew at its final altitude of 39,000 feet and arrived at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport just before 08:00 on Monday.
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
The return flight, ZH9066, is ready to ward off from its gate at 11:30, with takeoff scheduled at 11:40, based on FlightAware. Just like the Barcelona-bound journey, the flight is estimated to be around 13 hours and half-hour, with landing at SZX scheduled for 06:50 on Tuesday.
In accordance with Xinhua, Shenzhen Airlines is predicted to operate the route twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Next yr, the carrier plans to expand the weekly frequencies. On February seventh, the Star Alliance member will schedule a 3rd flight on Wednesdays with the A330-300, based on AeroRoutes. With the Barcelona flights, the airline offers a complete of 12 international and inter-regional direct routes from Shenzhen.
2nd path to Europe
Earlier this yr, Shenzhen Airlines resumed service to London after a hiatus as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight reportedly operates five times weekly. The flights to Barcelona mark the airline’s second European route in operation.
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
Shenzhen Airlines also formerly operated flights from Shenzhen to Amsterdam, based on Shenzhen Every day, but current flight data suggests the route is not any longer in operation.
Increased passenger capability
Shenzhen Airlines’ fleet of A330-300s only consists of six jets, and it’s the airline’s only widebody and long-haul aircraft, considering the carrier operates a network of primarily domestic flights. The widebody jets accommodate a complete of 309 passengers. Business class features 18 flatbeds, while 291 seats are in economy.
Despite the small fleet, the planes are essential for the airline’s operation. Without them, the carrier couldn’t offer long-haul routes comparable to to Barcelona or London.
Not only do the A330s help Shenzhen Airlines with increased passenger numbers, but additionally its home airport. In accordance with Shenzhen Every day, SZX officials hope to achieve a passenger turnover of 45 million trips in 2023, about 90% of the pre-pandemic levels. The airport also goals to see 50% of 2019’s international passengers this yr.