Chengdu, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- At 15:06 on May 2, Sichuan Airlines flight 3U609 carrying 289 passengers took off from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, marking the official launch of the first direct route from Southwest China to Moscow. This new route will fill a market gap and provide direct flight convenience for travelers between the two cities.
The inaugural flight crew takes a group photo upon landing in Moscow, celebrating the successful launch of Sichuan Airlines' Chengdu-Moscow route
Direct flights save time5 hours Building an international transit hub
Sichuan Airlines operates its Chengdu-Moscow route twice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using an Airbus A330. The flight numbers are 3U609/10. Flight schedule: Departure from Chengdu at 15:00 Beijing time, arriving in Moscow at 18:25 local time; return flight departs Moscow at 20:20 local time, arriving in Chengdu at 10:00 Beijing time the next day (Beijing is 5 hours ahead of Moscow). The Chengdu-Moscow one-way journey takes approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes, saving nearly 5 hours compared to connecting through other domestic cities.
The launch of this route not only shortens the time and distance between the two cities but also boosts the growth of transfer passengers in Chengdu. Thanks to the 72-hour visa-free transit policy, Russian travelers can take Sichuan Airlines flights via Chengdu to popular destinations such as Melbourne, Phuket, and Sanya. Domestic travelers can also use the Chengdu-Moscow route to transfer to Northern and Eastern Europe for sightseeing and business purposes.
As the largest mainstream airline in Southwest China, Sichuan Airlines has an extensive route network and frequent flight operations in the western region. Based on its current route structure, the Chengdu-Moscow route extends its reach across the entire western region, promoting economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the region and Russia. Sichuan Airlines will introduce international and domestic connecting flight products that complement the Chengdu-Moscow route according to market demand, while also providing convenient transfer services.
In addition, Sichuan Airlines will collaborate with Chengdu China Youth Travel Service to design and offer high-quality travel products for passengers.
Elite crew ensures safety and service Enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors in the air
For the inaugural flight, Sichuan Airlines assigned an experienced and skilled crew to ensure a smooth journey. The flight was led by Zhou Xiaojun, Vice President of Sichuan Airlines and a veteran captain. The airline's premium cabin crew appeared in red “Shu Rhyme” cheongsams on the inaugural flight.
The inaugural flight also featured specially prepared in-flight meals with distinctive Sichuan flavors, including Yipinxiang spicy hot pot,as well as Russian dishes like pan-fried basa fish and beef stewed with mushrooms, offering passengers a rich variety of choices combining Chinese and Western cuisines.
Sichuan Airlines’ Moscow route is operated with the mid-to-long-haul wide-body Airbus A330. The A330 aircraft features a high-end configuration, spacious seating, and a rich entertainment experience, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable journey.
At 10,000 meters above ground, Sichuan Airlines cabin crew distributed custom limited-edition postcards to passengers on the inaugural flight, provided Russian-style small mirrors for business class travelers, and hosted a fun “name that tune” interactive game, with participants receiving exquisite Shu embroidery notebooks as gifts.
Carrying forward the spirit of the Silk Road Contributing to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative
Data shows that China has become Russia’s largest trading partner. In 2014, the total value of China-Russia trade exceeded $95 billion.
According to the strategic vision of the Belt and Road Initiative, Russia is situated along the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt. China proposes leveraging its advantages of vast inland areas, abundant human resources, and solid industrial foundations to promote the construction of Chengdu as an inland open economic hub, accelerating cooperation between the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the Volga River Federal District of Russia. This includes building transport corridors connecting domestic and international regions, linking the eastern, central, and western parts of the country, strengthening tourism cooperation, expanding tourism scale, and jointly creating internationally renowned Silk Road-themed tourism routes and products.
The launch of the Chengdu=Moscow route—the first direct flight from Southwest China to Russia—will connect China’s Chengdu-Chongqing city cluster with Russia’s Central Federal District and Volga Federal District, boosting cultural exchange, economic and trade ties, and talent cooperation between the two regions. It will also help promote the inheritance and enhancement of the friendly cooperation spirit of the Silk Road.
News Link Travel Tips
- The inaugural flight coincides with Labor Day, allowing travelers to join locals in experiencing the festive atmosphere.
- Russia has a predominantly continental climate with large temperature variations; it is recommended that travelers bring warm clothing.
- Russia uses two-pin round plugs; travelers may bring their own adapters.
- Chinese mobile phones can roam in Russia; to call China, dial: 81086+mobile number/phone number.
- According to announcements on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, travelers are advised to be aware of common items brought by Chinese visitors that are often restricted or denied entry by Russian customs: most over-the-counter medications widely sold domestically such as cold medicine, cough suppressants, sleeping pills, painkillers, and diet pills contain ingredients classified as psychotropic or narcotic substances in Russia and are restricted from import/export; items such as musical instruments, paintings, sculptures, icons, ancient coins, medals, badges, and stamps over 50 years old require proof from the Ministry of Culture or a customs import declaration form to confirm they were previously brought into the country; fresh fruits and unpackaged meat or dairy products are prohibited from being brought into Russia.
- In case of any difficulties or issues, you can promptly call the 24-hour consular protection assistance hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Russia: 007-9636201852, or the Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-59913991.