Most of these nerve-wracking moments are re-created in the film, which purchased a life-size replica of the airliner from a production company in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, said Yu Dong, chief producer and president of Bona Film Group.

Actor Zhang says he talked at length with Liu, knowing the pilot could hold his breath for four minutes to avoid sudden incidents that prevented him from immediately putting on an oxygen mask. This detail is also featured in the movie.

In recent years, Zhang has portrayed several heroic protagonists in box office hits, such as special agent Yang Zirong in The Taking of Tiger Mountain and a police officer who hunts drug traffickers in Operation Mekong.

Unlike most of his previous onscreen roles, requiring a great deal of stunt work, the new role required Zhang to convey tense emotions through his eyes and limited movement, as he sits in the pilot's seat through most of the runtime.