Narrative:

We advised guangzhou control that we had reached minimum fuel state while 'orbiting' inbound to zggg. We were filed for FL370 and upon takeoff were given FL330 as a final by ATC. After persistent requests; we were finally able to get FL350; but the initial hold-down and significant time spent at a cruise altitude below optimum was not helpful to our situation. Shortly after checking in with kunming control (700 miles from zggg); we were told to slow to minimum clean speed or advised to cross mepan at 32 minutes past the hour; which caused us to slow to minimum clean and we were still going to be 6 minutes early. Shortly after checking in with guangzhou control (500 miles from zggg); we were directed to 'make right orbit.' we reported completion of one turn and were told to continue another turn without an efc. At this point; with significant ts activity in the zggg/zgsz vicinity; and fuel predict for zspd (most distant alternate) approaching 9;000 pounds; I informed the controller that we were 'minimum fuel.' the captain then had to repeat the advisory slowly and clearly at least four times so as to avoid misunderstanding. The controller then advised us to proceed direct to bse and resume normal speed. We proceeded to zggg without further undue delay. Chinese ATC/military could open more routes so not everyone has to use the only route through this corridor.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air Carrier flight crew enroute to ZGGG describes ATC delays due to weather and traffic; resulting in a declaration of minimum fuel. This information is difficult to convey to the Controller; but eventually results in a clearance direct.

Narrative: We advised Guangzhou Control that we had reached minimum fuel state while 'orbiting' inbound to ZGGG. We were filed for FL370 and upon takeoff were given FL330 as a final by ATC. After persistent requests; we were finally able to get FL350; but the initial hold-down and significant time spent at a cruise altitude below optimum was not helpful to our situation. Shortly after checking in with Kunming Control (700 miles from ZGGG); we were told to slow to minimum clean speed or advised to cross MEPAN at 32 minutes past the hour; which caused us to slow to minimum clean and we were still going to be 6 minutes early. Shortly after checking in with Guangzhou Control (500 miles from ZGGG); we were directed to 'make right orbit.' We reported completion of one turn and were told to continue another turn without an EFC. At this point; with significant TS activity in the ZGGG/ZGSZ vicinity; and fuel predict for ZSPD (most distant alternate) approaching 9;000 LBS; I informed the Controller that we were 'minimum fuel.' The Captain then had to repeat the advisory slowly and clearly at least four times so as to avoid misunderstanding. The Controller then advised us to proceed direct to BSE and resume normal speed. We proceeded to ZGGG without further undue delay. Chinese ATC/Military could open more routes so not everyone has to use the only route through this corridor.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.