Hainan Airlines launches first flight from China to Las Vegas

On December 2 Hainan Airlines launched the first flight from Beijing to Las Vegas. The launch was celebrated with a traditional water arches salute as the plane landed and approached the gate at McCarrran International Airport.

Mr. Hou Wei, Senior Vice President of Hainan Airlines, in an opening speech said that Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crossed the Pacific in just 11 hours and 10 minutes. With travel and tourism being the number one industry in the U.S. and China as the largest generator of tourists in the world, Mr. Hou Wei stated that this airline will help both economies by providing million job positions, mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and long-lasting friendship.

Prior to launching this route, people traveling from Las Vegas to Beijing or vice versa had to connect via a third U.S. or Asian city. With the new airline, the travel time is shorter by hours.

“Today’s arrival is the culmination of many years of hard work, ushering in a new era of connectivity between Las Vegas and China,” said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Director of Aviation for Clark County, Nev.

The new route features Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with 36 business class lie-flat seats and 177 economy class seats. Hainan is the airline with the most nonstop 787 Dreamliner routes between China and North America.