Donghai Airlines to commence DRW-SZX Direct

[flydoc]

After 12 months + of negotiations, confirmation today that Chinese carrier Donghai (DZ) will operate a twice-weekly service between Darwin and Shenzhen from May, initially flying a B737-800. From the Top End to Shenzhen: Darwin to China direct flights launched for the first time

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Folks will need a chinese visa. Transit without visa is not available at Schenzhen.

 

[moa999]

Long flight in a 737.

Funny given the Shenzhen land and ferry borders have fairly easy 5-day regional VOAs available.

Possible alternative entry to Hong Kong if they made the visas easier.

 

[dajop]

The lack of TWOV is totally insignificant. The service is no doubt targeting the 20m Shenzhen residents and not the 100,000 or so Darwin residents. And even for the Darwin originating pax, I bet most would be travelling on return tickets and would need a visa anyway.

 

[flydoc]

Long flight in a 737.

Funny given the Shenzhen land and ferry borders have fairly easy 5-day regional VOAs available.

Possible alternative entry to Hong Kong if they made the visas easier.

Yes, longish - but no worse than MEL-DPS on a A320?
Be interesting to see if the visa situation evolves.

 

[Limewood]

Cant get a visa at all?
What is flight time DRW to SZX?
Departure times?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Cant get a visa at all?
What is flight time DRW to SZX?
Departure times?

I'd estimate the flight time at around 6 hours or so, give or take. Same as MEL-DPS.

Transit without visa isn't available at Shenzhen. You'd need to obtain a visa before departing AU.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Cant get a visa at all?
What is flight time DRW to SZX?
Departure times?

DRW departures are Wed & Sun at 1725

DZ6223 Shenzhen (SZX) Darwin (DRW) 0130 0840
DZ6224 Darwin (DRW) Shenzhen (SZX) 1725 2135

 

[dk4]

DZ6223 Shenzhen (SZX) Darwin (DRW) 0130 0840
DZ6224 Darwin (DRW) Shenzhen (SZX) 1725 2135

So where will they tag onto between 0840 and 1725?

 

[Captain Halliday]

So where will they tag onto between 0840 and 1725?

None at this stage due to cabotage regulations.

But if that was to change, DRW-CNS-DRW would be the perfect fit.

 

[dajop]

So where will they tag onto between 0840 and 1725?

7 hrs rest for cabin crew before doing return sector?? Or do they get 3-4 days in DRW?

 

[Limewood]

DRW departures are Wed & Sun at 1725

DZ6223 Shenzhen (SZX) Darwin (DRW) 0130 0840
DZ6224 Darwin (DRW) Shenzhen (SZX) 1725 2135

Thanks, The return to DRW hour not good as usual.

So if just visiting Shenzhen (not in transit) get a visa in OZ before going? or can on arrival?
Do they have a J too?
Have fares been announced?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks, The return to DRW hour not good as usual.

So if just visiting Shenzhen (not in transit) get a visa in OZ before going? or can on arrival?
Do they have a J too?
Have fares been announced?

Visa in passport before departure.

 

[UP4014]

They must think they can make some money but I'm not sure there'll be longevity on this one.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Thanks, The return to DRW hour not good as usual.

So if just visiting Shenzhen (not in transit) get a visa in OZ before going? or can on arrival?
Do they have a J too?
Have fares been announced?

Can’t really help with those sorry.

Fares went on sale Friday when it was announced, but I can’t see anything via a google search, nor can I see an option on their website to view in English.

 

[jase05]

Can’t really help with those sorry.

Fares went on sale Friday when it was announced, but I can’t see anything via a google search, nor can I see an option on their website to view in English.

Don’t think you can purchase flights from Australia until May.

 

[Isochronous]

737? Ouch...

 

[henrus]

I was under the impression that Australia to China flights would be bookable by the end of April (today...)

I guess those who do manage to book the first Darwin to Shenzen flight might get the whole plane to themselves, assuming you can actually purchase a ticket.

 

[Mattg]

NT News is reporting that these flights are now available for sale ex DRW.

 

[henrus]

I don't have a news corp subscription and can't read the article but any idea how to book the flights or at least see the prices.