A Look at Hainan's New 787-9 Dreamliner Business-Class Cabin
Hainan Airlines is generally regarded as one of mainland China's best airlines, thanks to great food, service and amenities. But the airline's several Boeing 787 Dreamliners (both the -8 and -9 variety) are outfitted with a not-so-spectacular hard product in business class. The forward-facing 2-2-2 business-class seats are adequate, but don't feature direct aisle access at each seat and aren't especially private.
Soon, however, Hainan will take delivery of several newer 787-9 Dreamliners, which, according to the airline's Facebook page, will come equipped with a business-class cabin featuring reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, which is widely considered to be among the best arrangements in the sky.
The refreshed cabin also appears to feature a self-service bar, which will be stocked with beverages and snacks so that business-class passengers won't ever go hungry (or thirsty) during the flight.
As of this posting, it's unclear which routes will see the latest aircraft with this fantastic-looking business-class cabin. Here's hoping it's one of the Hainan's US routes, which include:
- Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG)
- Chicago (ORD) to Beijing (PEK)
- Las Vegas (LAS) to Beijing (PEK)
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Changsha (CSX), Chengdu (CTU) and Chongqing (CKG)
- San Jose (SJC) to Beijing (PEK)
- Seattle (SEA) to Beijing (PEK)
The first 787-9 to feature the new business-class cabin is scheduled to be delivered in just a few weeks, on May 10. Hainan often offers great business-class fares, and is a partner of Alaska Airlines, which means that you could earn tons of Alaska miles for your flights.
H/T: One Mile At a Time