An oxygen-enriched B738 of China Southern Airlines landed successfully in Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan on December 16, which is the first time that China Southern has deployed B738 for Urumqi = Islamabad air route and also the first oxygen-enriched B738 flied over Karakorum Mountain.

The Urumqi = Islamabad air route has been operated by B757 since it opened in July, 1994. In order to respond to "One Belt One Road" strategy this year, China Southern introduced B787, B738 and B737Max to replace B757 to facilitate the development of Urumqi as an International transport hub. Islamabad Airport lies in South Asia, so the route from Urumqi to Islamabad flies over the 5.5 kilometers high Karakorum Mountain, which is demanding in terms of aircraft performance especially oxygen delivery capability.

In addition, as Pilot Zhang Xiaoyu explained, the route's highest safe flight altitude exceeds 8.7 kilometers where lower temperature, atmospheric pressure and lack of oxygen challenge flight safety. Thus, ordinary B738 is not qualified to meet air safety requirement, due to which China Southern introduced the customized oxygen-enriched B738 on December 2 to operate the flight.

Besides, since the strict restriction of diversion and the underdeveloped facilities of Islamabad Airport increase the difficulties to fly, China Southern selected experienced and skillful staff to work for the route. With a series of theory trainings and instructional flights, the number of qualified personnel to operate the flight grows bit by bit.

With the support of China Southern's strength in transport capacity and airline network, Karakorum Mountain is no longer standing in the way between China and Pakistan and with "One belt One Road" strategy, the communication of trade, logistics and education between China and Pakistan becomes convenient day by day.