Han Ximin, Wang Suwan, Tao Qiang ximhan@126.com A FLIGHT numbered ZH9067/8 left Shenzhen International Airport for Heathrow Airport at 2:10 p.m. yesterday, marking the opening of a Shenzhen-London air route by Shenzhen Airlines. It is the first regular intercontinental route operated by Shenzhen Airlines and the city’s first direct route to London. The air route covers a distance of 6,000 kilometers in 13.5 hours. The flight A330-300 operates three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It arrives in London at 7:40 p.m. local time. It departs from Heathrow Airport at 9:40 p.m. and arrives in Shenzhen at 5:40 p.m. the following day. The opening of the flight not only provides a new choice for business people and tourists traveling from the Pearl River Delta area, but will also stimulate the economy, culture and tourism between China and the U.K., which is a major partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The route will also be helpful in deepening high-level cooperation between the two countries in politics, economics, trade and energy. |