The length of a journey by air between Shanghai Pudong Worldwide Airport (PVG) and Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) is a big issue for vacationers. This length is influenced by a number of components, together with the precise route taken, climate circumstances, air visitors management, and the kind of plane. Direct flights usually vary from 12 to fifteen hours, whereas connecting flights can considerably prolong journey time.
Understanding the everyday size of this transpacific route is essential for planning. It permits vacationers to organize for the journey, handle jet lag, and schedule connecting flights or floor transportation successfully. Historic information on flight durations helps predict potential delays and informs choices about airline decisions. This data is especially priceless for enterprise vacationers, households with younger kids, and people with time-sensitive itineraries.
This understanding offers a basis for exploring associated subjects similar to optimum flight routes, airline comparisons, journey ideas for long-haul flights, and techniques for minimizing the results of jet lag. Additional exploration can delve into the historic growth of this air route, the evolution of plane know-how impacting journey time, and future projections for this key connection between Asia and North America.
1. Direct Flights
Direct flights signify a vital consideration when inspecting journey length between Shanghai and Los Angeles. For transpacific journeys of this distance, the supply and traits of direct flights considerably influence general journey time and passenger expertise.
-
Time Financial savings
Direct flights get rid of the time spent throughout layovers, together with deplaning, ready in transit, and boarding a connecting flight. This may end up in substantial time financial savings, typically a number of hours, in comparison with itineraries involving a number of connections. For time-sensitive vacationers, selecting a direct flight presents a transparent benefit.
-
Lowered Complexity
Direct flights simplify the journey course of. Passengers keep away from navigating unfamiliar airports, transferring baggage between flights, and doubtlessly encountering delays or missed connections. This streamlined expertise can cut back stress and enhance the general ease of journey, significantly for these unfamiliar with worldwide journey.
-
Affect on Jet Lag
Whereas the general flight length stays important, a direct flight can contribute to mitigating the results of jet lag. A single, steady flight permits for a extra constant sleep schedule and minimizes disruptions, doubtlessly easing the adjustment to a brand new time zone upon arrival.
-
Premium Pricing
Direct flights typically command a premium value in comparison with connecting flights because of the comfort and time financial savings they provide. Vacationers should weigh the cost-benefit of the time saved towards the possibly increased fare. This issue turns into significantly related for budget-conscious vacationers or these with versatile schedules.
The supply and traits of direct flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles considerably affect the general journey expertise. Whereas direct flights supply benefits by way of time effectivity, simplicity, and potential jet lag discount, the upper price related to this comfort should be thought-about throughout the broader context of particular person journey wants and priorities.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights signify a big issue influencing general journey time between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Whereas doubtlessly providing price financial savings, connecting itineraries introduce complexities and concerns that instantly influence the length and expertise of transpacific journeys.
-
Layover Period and Location
Layover durations can vary from as little as one hour to a number of hours, considerably impacting whole journey time. The situation of the layover additionally influences the general expertise, with some airports providing extra facilities and conveniences throughout prolonged waits. Layovers in smaller airports may contain restricted choices for eating, procuring, or resting, impacting passenger consolation throughout lengthy journeys.
-
Potential for Delays and Missed Connections
Connecting flights introduce the danger of delays cascading by way of the itinerary. A delay on the preliminary leg can result in a missed connection, requiring rebooking and doubtlessly extending the general journey time considerably. Vacationers ought to think about the potential for delays, significantly throughout peak seasons or durations of inclement climate, when choosing connecting flights.
-
Baggage Dealing with and Switch
Checked baggage usually requires switch between plane throughout connecting flights. This course of introduces the potential for mishandling or delays in baggage arrival on the ultimate vacation spot. Vacationers ought to think about potential baggage-related points when assessing the general effectivity of connecting flights.
-
Value Concerns and Airline Partnerships
Connecting flights continuously supply decrease fares in comparison with direct choices, making them enticing to budget-conscious vacationers. Airline partnerships and alliances typically play a task in connecting flight itineraries, permitting passengers to mix segments from completely different carriers. Understanding these partnerships will help vacationers navigate reserving processes and optimize for price financial savings.
The choice to decide on a connecting flight versus a direct flight entails a trade-off between price financial savings and potential complexities. Cautious consideration of layover durations, potential delays, baggage dealing with, and airline partnerships is crucial for precisely assessing the influence on whole journey time between Shanghai and Los Angeles and managing expectations relating to the general journey expertise.
3. Common Period
Common flight length serves as a vital benchmark for vacationers planning journeys between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Understanding this common offers a foundational reference level for managing expectations, scheduling connecting flights, and making ready for the general journey expertise. Whereas particular person flight occasions range based mostly on particular components, the typical length presents priceless perception into typical journey lengths.
-
Direct Flight Baseline
The typical length of a direct flight between Shanghai and Los Angeles usually falls throughout the 12-15 hour vary. This baseline permits vacationers to estimate journey time effectively and plan accordingly. Direct flights get rid of the necessity for layovers, offering a extra predictable journey expertise, albeit typically at a premium price.
-
Connecting Flight Variability
Connecting flights introduce larger variability in general journey time attributable to layover durations. Whereas shorter layovers can reduce extra time, longer layovers can considerably prolong the overall journey. Common durations for connecting flights should think about the mixed flight occasions and the scheduled layover, doubtlessly growing the overall journey time to 15-20 hours or extra.
-
Seasonal Influences and Route Optimization
Differences due to the season, together with wind patterns and air visitors congestion, affect common flight durations. Airways typically alter flight schedules and routes to optimize for these variations, impacting the everyday time spent in transit. Vacationers ought to anticipate potential seasonal changes to common durations when planning their journeys.
-
Historic Information and Predictive Modeling
Historic flight information offers priceless perception into common durations and permits for predictive modeling of future flight occasions. Airways and journey companies leverage this information to offer vacationers with reasonable expectations relating to journey size. Understanding historic developments can assist vacationers in making knowledgeable choices about airline decisions and journey dates.
The typical length of a flight between Shanghai and Los Angeles serves as a priceless planning device. By contemplating the distinctions between direct and connecting flights, acknowledging seasonal influences, and leveraging historic information, vacationers can develop a extra correct understanding of anticipated journey time and handle their journeys successfully. This understanding types a vital element of knowledgeable journey planning for this transpacific route.
4. Seasonal Variations
Differences due to the season play a big position in influencing flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Climate patterns, air visitors congestion, and airline scheduling changes contribute to fluctuations in journey length all year long. Understanding these seasonal influences permits vacationers to anticipate potential variations and plan accordingly.
-
Jet Stream Affect
The jet stream, a high-altitude air present, considerably impacts transpacific flight occasions. Throughout winter months, the jet stream strengthens and shifts southward, offering a tailwind for westbound flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles. This may cut back journey time. Conversely, eastbound flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai face headwinds, growing journey time. Summer season months typically witness a weaker, extra northerly jet stream, lessening its influence on flight durations in each instructions.
-
Climate Methods and Air Visitors Management
Seasonal climate patterns, similar to hurricane season within the Pacific, could cause flight delays and rerouting. Elevated air visitors throughout peak journey seasons, significantly holidays and summer season months, can even contribute to congestion and potential delays. Air visitors management measures carried out to handle these conditions affect general flight occasions and contribute to seasonal variability.
-
Airline Scheduling Practices
Airways alter flight schedules seasonally to accommodate fluctuating demand and operational concerns. Elevated flight frequency throughout peak seasons can contribute to air visitors congestion, whereas lowered frequency throughout off-peak seasons may result in fewer direct flight choices and doubtlessly longer journey occasions attributable to connecting flights.
-
Airport Operations and Floor Delays
Seasonal climate circumstances at each Shanghai and Los Angeles airports can influence floor operations, resulting in delays in departure and arrival occasions. Excessive temperatures, heavy rain, or snow can have an effect on plane de-icing, baggage dealing with, and gate availability, contributing to variations in general journey time.
Contemplating differences due to the season is essential for correct journey planning between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Anticipating the affect of the jet stream, climate techniques, airline scheduling, and airport operations permits vacationers to handle expectations relating to potential fluctuations in flight length and make knowledgeable choices based mostly on their particular person journey wants.
5. Wind Circumstances
Wind circumstances signify a vital issue influencing flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. The prevailing winds at cruising altitudes, significantly the jet stream, considerably influence plane pace and, consequently, the general length of transpacific flights. Understanding the affect of wind patterns is crucial for correct flight planning and managing expectations relating to journey time.
-
Jet Stream Affect
The jet stream, a fast-flowing, high-altitude air present, flows from west to east throughout the Pacific Ocean. Westbound flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles typically profit from a tailwind offered by the jet stream, decreasing journey time. Conversely, eastbound flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai usually encounter headwinds, growing journey time. The power and place of the jet stream range seasonally, impacting the diploma to which it influences flight durations.
-
Headwinds and Tailwinds
Headwinds, winds blowing towards the route of flight, enhance air resistance and cut back plane floor pace, leading to longer flight occasions. Tailwinds, winds blowing within the route of flight, present an helping power, growing floor pace and shortening flight occasions. The influence of headwinds and tailwinds on journey length turns into significantly important over lengthy distances, such because the transpacific route between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
-
Route Planning and Optimization
Airways think about prevailing wind circumstances when planning flight routes. Flight paths are sometimes adjusted to reap the benefits of tailwinds and reduce the influence of headwinds, optimizing for gas effectivity and journey time. Refined flight planning software program incorporates real-time climate information and wind forecasts to find out probably the most environment friendly routes.
-
Turbulence and Passenger Consolation
Variations in wind pace and route can create turbulence, impacting passenger consolation through the flight. Whereas circuitously affecting general flight time, turbulence can necessitate changes to altitude and airspeed, doubtlessly influencing the length of the journey to a lesser diploma. Pilots prioritize passenger security and luxury when navigating turbulent circumstances.
Wind circumstances, particularly the affect of the jet stream and the presence of headwinds or tailwinds, instantly influence flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Airways leverage meteorological information and superior route planning methods to optimize for these circumstances, aiming to reduce journey time and maximize gas effectivity. Understanding the position of wind patterns contributes to a extra complete understanding of the components influencing transpacific flight durations.
6. Air Visitors Management
Air visitors management (ATC) performs an important position in figuring out flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. ATC procedures and directives instantly influence plane routing, departure and arrival sequencing, and general airspace administration, influencing the length of transpacific journeys. Understanding the affect of ATC is crucial for comprehending the complexities of long-haul flight operations.
-
Departure Sequencing and Floor Delays
ATC manages the departure sequence of plane at Shanghai Pudong Worldwide Airport (PVG). Throughout peak hours or durations of excessive visitors quantity, plane may expertise floor delays earlier than receiving clearance for takeoff. These delays contribute to general flight time and might influence connecting flight schedules. Environment friendly floor administration by ATC is essential for minimizing departure delays and guaranteeing well timed departures.
-
En Route Routing and Airspace Administration
ATC directs plane alongside established air routes throughout the Pacific Ocean. These routes are designed to optimize for gas effectivity, handle air visitors movement, and reduce the danger of mid-air collisions. Climate circumstances, airspace congestion, and different components can necessitate route changes by ATC, doubtlessly impacting flight length. Dynamic routing choices by ATC contribute to the variability in flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
-
Arrival Sequencing and Holding Patterns
As plane method Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX), ATC manages their arrival sequence and assigns touchdown slots. During times of excessive visitors quantity or inclement climate, plane could be positioned in holding patterns, circling at designated altitudes till clearance to land is granted. Holding patterns add to general flight time and contribute to arrival delays. Efficient administration of arriving plane by ATC is essential for minimizing delays and guaranteeing easy airport operations.
-
Communication and Coordination
ATC maintains fixed communication with pilots, offering updates on climate circumstances, air visitors density, and different related data. Efficient communication and coordination between ATC and flight crews are important for secure and environment friendly air journey. Clear communication facilitates well timed decision-making, contributing to the predictability and administration of flight occasions.
Air visitors management procedures instantly influence flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Departure sequencing, en route routing, arrival administration, and communication protocols carried out by ATC affect the general length of transpacific journeys. Understanding the complexities of ATC operations offers priceless context for comprehending the variability in flight occasions and underscores the vital position of air visitors administration in guaranteeing secure and environment friendly air journey.
7. Airline Alternative
Airline choice considerably influences the general journey expertise between Shanghai and Los Angeles, impacting not solely consolation and facilities but additionally, crucially, flight length. Completely different airways make use of various route methods, plane varieties, and layover choices, all of which contribute to the overall time spent in transit. Cautious consideration of airline alternative is crucial for managing journey time successfully.
-
Direct vs. Connecting Flights
Airways supply various route choices, with some offering direct flights and others requiring connections. Direct flights, whereas typically dearer, considerably cut back journey time by eliminating layovers. Connecting flights, continuously supplied at decrease fares, can add a number of hours to the journey relying on the layover length and placement. For example, some airways may route by way of Seoul, Tokyo, or different hubs, impacting general journey time.
-
Plane Sort and Velocity
Completely different airways make the most of varied plane varieties on the Shanghai to Los Angeles route, every with various cruising speeds. Fashionable plane just like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350 usually supply quicker cruising speeds in comparison with older fashions, doubtlessly decreasing flight time. Researching the precise plane utilized by completely different airways permits vacationers to issue plane pace into their decision-making course of.
-
Route Effectivity and Airspace Concerns
Airways make use of various route methods, influenced by components similar to wind patterns, air visitors management, and airspace restrictions. Extra environment friendly routes, typically leveraging favorable jet stream currents, can cut back journey time. Understanding an airline’s typical routing technique can supply insights into potential flight durations. For instance, airways may prioritize extra northerly routes throughout sure occasions of the 12 months to capitalize on prevailing wind circumstances.
-
Layover Effectivity and Airport Hubs
For connecting flights, the effectivity of an airline’s hub operations influences general journey time. Airways with well-designed hubs and streamlined switch processes reduce connection occasions, decreasing the general length of the journey. Conversely, inefficient hubs can result in prolonged layovers and elevated journey time. Think about an airline’s hub location and its repute for environment friendly connections when evaluating connecting flight choices.
The selection of airline considerably contributes to the overall journey time between Shanghai and Los Angeles. By contemplating components similar to direct versus connecting flight availability, plane sort, route effectivity, and layover administration, vacationers could make knowledgeable choices that align with their desired journey length and general journey expertise. An intensive analysis of airline choices empowers vacationers to optimize for each time effectivity and journey consolation on this demanding transpacific route.
8. Plane Sort
Plane sort performs an important position in figuring out flight length between Shanghai and Los Angeles. The particular plane chosen by an airline for this transpacific route instantly impacts pace, gas effectivity, and general journey time. Understanding the connection between plane sort and flight length empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and handle expectations relating to journey size.
-
Cruising Velocity and Vary
Completely different plane fashions possess various cruising speeds and ranges. Fashionable, long-range plane just like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350 usually cruise at increased speeds than older fashions, enabling quicker transpacific crossings. Plane vary additionally influences route choice; longer-range plane can fly extra direct routes, doubtlessly decreasing journey time in comparison with plane requiring gas stops or much less direct flight paths.
-
Gasoline Effectivity and Route Optimization
Gasoline effectivity instantly impacts flight length, significantly on long-haul routes like Shanghai to Los Angeles. Extra fuel-efficient plane can fly longer distances with out refueling, permitting for extra direct routes and doubtlessly shorter flight occasions. Airways think about gas effectivity when deciding on plane for particular routes, balancing operational prices with passenger journey time.
-
Capability and Payload Concerns
Plane capability and payload affect operational choices that may influence flight time. Bigger plane carrying extra passengers and cargo may require longer takeoff and touchdown distances, doubtlessly impacting general journey length. Airways stability capability concerns with operational effectivity when deciding on plane for the Shanghai to Los Angeles route.
-
Technological Developments and Aerodynamics
Developments in plane know-how, together with improved aerodynamics and engine design, contribute to elevated gas effectivity and better cruising speeds. Newer plane fashions typically incorporate these developments, resulting in doubtlessly shorter flight occasions in comparison with older plane. The continued evolution of plane know-how continues to affect flight length on long-haul routes like Shanghai to Los Angeles.
The choice of plane sort for the Shanghai to Los Angeles route represents a posh choice for airways, balancing components similar to cruising pace, gas effectivity, capability, and technological developments. This alternative instantly impacts flight length, underscoring the significance of understanding the connection between plane sort and general journey time for knowledgeable flight choice and reasonable expectations relating to journey size.
9. Route Specifics
Route specifics considerably affect the general length of flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Variations in flight paths, dictated by components similar to air visitors management, climate techniques, and airline operational methods, instantly influence the space traveled and, consequently, the time spent in transit. Understanding the nuances of route choice offers priceless context for decoding variations in flight occasions.
-
Nice Circle Routes and Geographic Concerns
Flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles usually comply with nice circle routes, the shortest distance between two factors on a sphere. Nevertheless, because of the Earth’s rotation and prevailing wind patterns, these routes typically seem curved on conventional two-dimensional maps. Deviations from the perfect nice circle path, necessitated by air visitors congestion or climate techniques, can enhance flight distance and length.
-
Jet Stream Affect on Route Choice
The jet stream, a high-altitude air present, considerably influences route planning. Airways typically alter flight paths to reap the benefits of tailwinds offered by the jet stream, decreasing journey time on westbound flights. Conversely, eastbound flights may necessitate changes to reduce the influence of headwinds. Differences due to the season within the jet stream’s place and power additional contribute to route changes and subsequent variations in flight length.
-
Airspace Restrictions and Navigational Concerns
Airspace restrictions, imposed for causes similar to army workout routines or political sensitivities, can necessitate deviations from optimum flight paths. Airways should adhere to those restrictions, doubtlessly growing flight distance and length. Navigational concerns, together with the supply of air navigation aids and communication infrastructure, additionally affect route choice and, consequently, flight occasions.
-
Gasoline Effectivity and Route Optimization Methods
Airways make use of refined route optimization methods to reduce gas consumption and flight length. These methods think about components similar to wind circumstances, airspace restrictions, and plane efficiency traits. By optimizing flight paths, airways purpose to stability gas effectivity with journey time, impacting the general length of journeys between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
Route specifics signify an important issue impacting flight occasions between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Variations in flight paths, influenced by components such because the jet stream, airspace restrictions, and airline operational methods, instantly contribute to the general length of transpacific journeys. A complete understanding of those route-related influences offers priceless context for decoding variations in flight occasions and underscores the complexities of long-haul flight operations.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to flight durations between Shanghai and Los Angeles, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable journey planning.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight time for a direct flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles?
Direct flights usually vary from 12 to fifteen hours, relying on components similar to wind circumstances and particular routing.
Query 2: How does the selection of airline have an effect on the general journey time?
Airline choice influences journey time attributable to components similar to plane sort, chosen routes, and potential layovers. Some airways prioritize pace, whereas others might supply extra economical routes with longer durations.
Query 3: Do connecting flights considerably enhance journey time in comparison with direct flights?
Connecting flights usually add to the overall journey time attributable to layovers, which may vary from a number of hours to a complete day relying on the itinerary. Whole journey time for connecting flights can simply exceed 15 hours and infrequently reaches 20 hours or extra.
Query 4: How do differences due to the season influence flight length?
Seasonal components similar to wind patterns, significantly the jet stream, affect flight occasions. Westbound flights throughout winter typically profit from tailwinds, doubtlessly decreasing journey time, whereas eastbound flights may face headwinds, growing length.
Query 5: What position does air visitors management play in figuring out flight occasions?
Air visitors management manages departure sequencing, en route routing, and arrival procedures, influencing potential delays and general flight time. Holding patterns and floor delays attributable to congestion contribute to variability in journey length.
Query 6: How can vacationers discover probably the most up-to-date data on flight durations for his or her particular journey?
Consulting on-line journey companies, airline web sites, and flight monitoring purposes present real-time data on flight schedules and durations for particular dates and routes, accounting for present circumstances and potential delays.
Understanding these continuously requested questions offers a basis for knowledgeable decision-making relating to journey between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Cautious consideration of those components empowers vacationers to handle expectations and optimize their itineraries successfully.
For additional data and detailed assets, proceed to the subsequent part exploring particular airline routes and schedules.
Suggestions for Managing Shanghai to LAX Flight Time
Optimizing journey time between Shanghai and Los Angeles requires cautious planning and consideration of a number of key components. The following pointers present sensible steerage for managing the length and complexities of this transpacific journey.
Tip 1: Prioritize Direct Flights When Time is Essential
Direct flights supply important time financial savings in comparison with connecting itineraries, eliminating layover durations and potential delays. Whereas typically dearer, direct flights signify probably the most time-efficient possibility for this long-haul route.
Tip 2: Consider Connecting Flight Layover Durations and Places Fastidiously
When choosing connecting flights, assess layover durations and places meticulously. Excessively brief layovers enhance the danger of missed connections, whereas overly lengthy layovers add pointless time to the general journey. Think about airport facilities and switch processes when evaluating layover choices.
Tip 3: Think about Seasonal Variations and Jet Stream Affect
Seasonal adjustments in wind patterns, significantly the jet stream, affect flight occasions. Westbound flights throughout winter typically profit from tailwinds, whereas eastbound flights may face headwinds. Issue these differences due to the season into journey planning.
Tip 4: Analysis Airline Route Methods and Plane Sorts
Airways make use of various route methods and make the most of completely different plane varieties, impacting general flight length. Researching particular airline routes and plane fashions permits for knowledgeable choices relating to journey time and potential consolation ranges.
Tip 5: Make the most of Flight Monitoring Purposes and Actual-Time Updates
Flight monitoring purposes and airline web sites present real-time updates on flight schedules and potential delays. Staying knowledgeable about present circumstances empowers vacationers to adapt to unexpected circumstances and handle expectations relating to arrival occasions.
Tip 6: Pack Strategically for Lengthy-Haul Consolation
Put together for the prolonged length of transpacific flights by packing important gadgets for consolation. Noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, journey pillows, and comfy clothes improve the in-flight expertise and reduce the influence of lengthy journey occasions.
Tip 7: Handle Jet Lag Proactively
The numerous time distinction between Shanghai and Los Angeles contributes to jet lag. Adjusting sleep schedules previous to departure, staying hydrated through the flight, and using methods to adapt to the brand new time zone upon arrival reduce the results of jet lag.
By implementing these methods, vacationers can successfully handle the length and complexities of journeys between Shanghai and Los Angeles. Knowledgeable planning and proactive measures improve the general journey expertise and reduce the influence of long-haul flight occasions.
This assortment of ideas offers sensible steerage for navigating the complexities of Shanghai to Los Angeles flight occasions. The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and presents ultimate suggestions for optimizing this transpacific journey.
Conclusion
Flight length between Shanghai and Los Angeles represents a vital issue influencing journey planning. This exploration has highlighted the multifaceted nature of this transpacific route, emphasizing the affect of direct versus connecting flights, airline decisions, plane varieties, route specifics, differences due to the season, wind circumstances, and air visitors management. Every ingredient contributes to the complexity of predicting and managing general journey time. Cautious consideration of those components empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and optimize itineraries for effectivity and luxury. The everyday 12-15 hour length for direct flights serves as a benchmark, whereas connecting flights introduce variability based mostly on layover durations and places. Seasonal influences, significantly the influence of the jet stream, additional contribute to fluctuations in journey time.
Efficient administration of Shanghai to Los Angeles flight durations necessitates proactive planning and a complete understanding of the contributing components. Leveraging accessible assets, together with airline web sites, flight monitoring purposes, and climate forecasts, permits vacationers to anticipate potential variations and alter accordingly. In the end, knowledgeable decision-making and strategic planning reduce the influence of lengthy journey occasions and contribute to a extra seamless and environment friendly journey expertise on this significant hyperlink between Asia and North America. Continued developments in aviation know-how and operational efficiencies promise additional refinements in managing and doubtlessly decreasing journey time on this important worldwide route.
