Hainan Airlines (Haikou and Beijing) started operating its new Boeing 787-8 on its nonstop service between SeaTac International Airport and Beijing effective yesterday (Friday, January 10, 2014).  The carrier has been operating the route since it inaugurated service on June 9, 2008 with Airbus A330 aircraft.  Scheduled departure and arrival times at Seattle/Tacoma will not change, and Hainan will be the only foreign airline operating between the United States and China nonstop with Dreamliners.

Hainan’s high quality service has become well known to travelers who fly between Seattle and China. Hainan Airlines has built a reputation for quality. Its business class service features flat-bed seats with turndown service, gourmet dining and fine wines on bone china, and complimentary limo service in Beijing for both arrival and departure Even its economy class service is well regarded, as the airline received the award for the Best Economy Class Service in the world by World Travel Awards in Doha, Qatar just a few weeks ago. The Dreamliner will add more features to what Hainan refers to as a “Cherished Experience”.

“Hainan Airlines has strong ties to Seattle, operating 110 Boeing aircraft out of a fleet of 128”, said Joel Chusid, Seattle-based Executive Director, US. “We have been looking forward to this for a long time.” The airline has ordered ten Dreamliners, and six are already in service. In addition to Seattle, the aircraft is used domestically and was recently introduced on its trans-Pacific route to Chicago.  Plans are to have all its North American routes flown with Dreamliners, including Toronto (Pearson) and its newest announced destination, Boston, which will begin in June 2014.

Copyright Photo: Joel Chusid. Boeing 787-8 B-2728 (msn 34938) is pictured at SEA on the inaugural flight.

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