News
Shenzhen Airlines to launch Heathrow A330 service, adds A320neo
July 13th 2018
Shenzhen Airlines, a Star Alliance member, will launch a thrice-weekly Shenzhen-London Heathrow A330-300 service from October 30. Read More » This will be the carrier’s first intercontinental route.
Shenzhen Airlines now operates four A330-300s. The first widebody was delivered to the airline last September while the most recent one was handed over at the end of May.
The Air China protégé configures its A330s with business class and economy class seating.
Shenzhen Airlines is among a growing number of Chinese carriers with long-haul aspirations. Last week, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) received applications from China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines for new services to Los Angeles.
From December 28, China Southern intends to launch Shenyang-Los Angeles. Earlier in the same month, Hainan Airlines wants to open Xian-Los Angeles.
China Southern and Hainan are not the only carriers seeking a bigger footprint in California. Air China recently launched Shenzhen-Los Angeles, Sichuan Airlines has added Chengdu-Jinan-Los Angeles and Hainan itself has begun flights from Chengdu and Chongqing, respectively, to the West Coast hub.
Back in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airlines this week took delivery of its maiden A320neo. The Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered jet was delivered from the Airbus Tianjin plant. The airline has approximately 30 A320neo aircraft on order. Its current fleet comprises 10 A319s, 80 A320ceo, an A320neo, four A330-300s and 89 B737NGs.
Separately, a Shenzhen Airlines B737-800, registered B-5412, veered off the runway when landing at Hohhot Baita International Airport during light rain on Saturday. No injuries were reported among the 133 passengers and crew, but the airport’s single runway had to be closed for approximately eight hours, causing cancellation and diversion of hundreds of flights.
