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ARJ21 completes first high-altitude flight connecting key locations in China's Xinjiang

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ARJ21 completes first high-altitude flight connecting key locations in China's Xinjiang
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The ARJ21 aircraft has achieved a significant milestone by operating on its first high-altitude route in China, connecting Kashgar and Tashkurgan. This development marks the first time a Chinese self-developed aircraft is flying on such a route within the country. The service is managed by Chengdu Airlines, which has been expanding its operations in Xinjiang.

Chengdu Airlines' ARJ21, adorned with the "Sunbird" livery, took off from Kashgar Laining International Airport and headed to Tashkurgan Hongqilafu Airport. The round-trip flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays under flight numbers EU3079/3080. Departures from Kashgar are at 9:25 AM with arrivals in Tashkurgan at 10:20 AM. Return flights leave Tashkurgan at 11:00 AM and arrive back in Kashgar at noon.

Tashkurgan Hongqilafu Airport is notable as Xinjiang's first high plateau airport and China's westernmost airport. Situated at an altitude of 3,258.4 meters (10,690 feet), it meets the Civil Aviation Administration of China's criteria for high plateau airports due to its elevation above 2,438 meters (8,000 feet). Additional regulations apply to pilot qualifications and aircraft operations for these airports.

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As of late 2023, China had 24 high plateau airports operated by 12 airlines across various regions including southwest and northwest areas. The new air route reduces travel time between Kashgar City and Tashkurgan County from about six hours by car to roughly one hour by plane.

Tashkurgan County lies on the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau bordering Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kashmir. It serves as an autonomous region for the Tajik ethnic group with an average elevation above 4,000 meters.

Before this airport's construction in December 2022, local travelers needed extensive travel arrangements to reach Urumqi from Tashkurgan via bus or train through Kashgar or directly by bus taking up to 22 hours. Now direct flights take approximately two-and-a-half hours.

Chengdu Airlines continues its expansion efforts since May 2023 with three bases established in Turpan, Yining, and Kashgar deploying nine ARJ21 aircraft across Xinjiang serving most regional airports while fostering economic growth through regional aviation links extending into Central Asia.

Recently launched routes include services from Kashgar to Khujand in Tajikistan marking Chengdu Airlines' inaugural extension into Central Asia using ARJ21 aircraft further strengthening ties between China’s Xinjiang region and neighboring countries.

Organizations Included in this History
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