Hainan Airlines commences Beijing Chicago non-stop flights

by BA Staff

China’s Hainan Airlines commenced non-stop service from Chicago to Beijing, opening the airline’s newest American gateway. Currently the flight operates twice a week using an Airbus A340-600 seating 288 passengers in a three class configuration. The airline is hoping to obtain government approval to change equipment to a two class Boeing 787 Dreamliner in November, and to increase frequency to four times a week in December, and to a daily by June 2014.

Hainan’s Dreamliner will feature 36 fully flat-bed business seats configured 2-2-2, as well as 177 economy seats configured in the bone crunching 3-3-3 nine abreast configuration. Each seat has a 15-inch touch screen panel and a power outlet. Each business seat also has a USB port.

The current schedule is:
HU498 departs Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) at 3:25 pm and arrives in Beijing Capital International Airport at 7:05 pm the following day.
HU497 departs Beijing at 12:35 pm and arrive in Chicago at 1:25 pm the same day.

On the A340-600, Business class passengers are pampered with priority check-in and access to the lounge. On board, they can relax in luxurious seats that convert into comfortable (160 degree reclining) seats and feature turn-down service complete with fluffy pillows, fine cotton sheets and a duvet, pajamas and slippers. First class passengers enjoy a fully flat bed with the same amenities, gourmet Chinese or western cuisine and wines are served on fine china, glassware and linens; customers may choose when they wish to dine. Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas are available. Amenity kits feature famous Bulgari® cosmetics. Individually controlled entertainment system offers over 100 movies, audio selections and games on demand.

In Beijing, with advance reservations, premium passengers are treated to complimentary private Mercedes-Benz® limousine service both on arrival and departure. Those making connections to other Chinese destinations may take advantage of the new business class lounge in Terminal 1 offering a wide range of luxurious amenities.

Economy class passengers can also enjoy complimentary beverages, meals, snacks as well as the same on-demand entertainment system on individual seat-back screens. If connecting in Beijing, an exclusive transit lounge is open to economy class passengers as well.

Visit Hainan Airlines.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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