Some airlines might remind you to do simple stretches during a flight via occasional announcements. China Southern Airlines takes it a notch higher and provides actual choreography too.
Qigong in mid-air, anyone?
A passenger, Sindraim Zarin, recently shared his experience on a flight with the airline. In his IG post, he is seen seated comfortably in Economy while following a series of slow stretching and breathing movements shown on the airlines’ in-flight entertainment screen. “This is why I only fly China Southern now,” he captioned.
It’s actually part of the airline’s in-flight wellness programme, a routine dubbed Cloud Baduanjin, which draws on a traditional qigong exercise. Also known as Eight Pieces of Brocade, the workout involves gentle coordinated movements, breathing, and stretching designed to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
China Southern reportedly created an aircraft-friendly version specifically for long-haul travel, where it’s not uncommon for passengers spend long amounts of time folded into seats like human origami.
According to Chinese reports, the airline worked with experts from Guangzhou Sport University to create an aircraft-friendly version of the exercises.
Movements include raising the arms, turning the waist, stretching gently, and regulating breathing.
On some flagship long-haul routes, cabin crew reportedly stand in the aisles to physically guide passengers through the routine together.
Honestly, after 10 hours, and what more in Economy class, most of us would happily participate in anything that promises to restore circulation to the body.
Now, before you rush to book your next China Southern flight, there is a catch.
The programme is only rolled out dynamically and is mainly focused on long-haul international flights, especially routes from Guangzhou to Europe, North America, and Australasia, where passengers are seated for 10-plus hours.
So, your quick two-hour regional hop probably will not include a communal mid-air qigong session.
Netizens flooded the comments section saying the wellness routine looked oddly therapeutic, with some joking that they are reconsidering their airline loyalties.
Who knew the secret to winning over Economy passengers wasn’t just lie-flat seats and champagne, but qigong
8days.sg has reached out to Sindraim for more information.
