Hainan Airlines Flies 787 Dreamliner from Shanghai to Boston

Hainan Airlines Co., Ltd. (HU), China's fourth largest carrier, launched a new nonstop international service linking Shanghai and Boston, the U.S. on June 20, 2015, marking the airline's sixth scheduled service to North America.

The inaugural flight HU7961 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at 12:10 p.m., which is estimated to arrive in Boston at 1:17 p.m. local time.

The non-stop Shanghai-Boston service is offered thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Flight HU7961 is scheduled to take off from PVG at 11:55 p.m. and arrive in Boston at 2:35 p.m.; while the return flight HU7962 will leave Boston at 4:35 p.m., with an arrival in Beijing at 7:45 p.m. the next day (all local time).

Since its first U.S. route -- Beijing-Seattle -- launched in 2008, Hainan Airlines has accelerated its expansion in North American with several new services and increasing flights. The launch of the service will further strengthen its route network in North America, offering more convenient travel options to passengers, said the airline.

Besides, the airline is set to launch a five-time weekly Shanghai-Seattle service on June 22, with 787 Dreamliner.

The Haikou-based carrier's 787 Dreamliner has 36 full, flat-bed business seats configured in rows of 2-2-2, as well as 177 economy seats configured in rows of 3-3-3. Each seat has a 15-inch, touch screen panel and a power outlet. Each business seat also has a USB port. The Dreamliner provides 60% lower cabin noise, better air quality and more comfortable cabin environment for passengers.

Hainan Airlines has nine 787 Dreamliners in service, and announced in late March that it planned to purchase 30 787-9s to support its international expansion. Dreamliners for delivery will be completed by 2021.

WCARN