Hainan Airlines Expands with New Vienna-Chengdu Route Starting December 2024

Hainan Airlines Dreamliner (Source: Hainan Airlines)

Following the successful relaunch of its Vienna to Shenzhen service earlier this year, Hainan Airlines is adding a new route connecting Vienna with Chengdu, China, starting in December 2024. This marks the airline’s second destination in China from Vienna’s Schwechat Airport. In this article, we’ll not only introduce Hainan Airlines’ latest routes but also dive into its network, travel classes, and fleet.

New Vienna to Chengdu Route

On December 1, 2024, Hainan Airlines will launch a nonstop service between Vienna and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This will be the first time Vienna has a direct connection to Chengdu, offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

The flight will operate three times a week, with the following schedule:

• Vienna to Chengdu (HU782): Departs at 12:30 PM, arriving at 5:10 AM the next day (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays).

• Chengdu to Vienna (HU781): Departs at 2:45 AM, arriving in Vienna at 6:05 AM (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays).

Hainan Airlines’ Expansive Network

Hainan Airlines’ complex flight network (Source: flightconnections.com)

Hainan Airlines is the largest privately owned airline in China, based in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province. The airline operates major hubs in Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), and Shenzhen (SZX), but it does not have a dedicated intercontinental hub. Instead, Hainan Airlines operates long-haul flights to various continents from multiple airports across China, with destinations in North America, North Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Travel Classes on Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines operates a variety of aircraft, each with different seating configurations and travel classes.

• Boeing 737: These narrow-body aircraft typically feature two classes—Economy Class and a Business (or Domestic First) Class with recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration.

• Airbus A330 and Boeing 787: These wide-body aircraft offer at least two classes: Economy and Business Class. Some Boeing 787-9 models also include a Premium Economy cabin with 21 seats.

Business Class Configurations:

• Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 787-8: Feature the older Safran Aura Lite seats in a 2-2-2 configuration.

• Airbus A330-300: Offers more modern seats, either Stelia Solstys or Collins Aerospace Super Diamond in a 1-2-1 layout.

• Boeing 787-9: These are equipped with the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond or Safran Cirrus III seats, both in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access for all passengers.

Safran Cirrus III in the B787-9 (Source: Hainan Airlines)

Collins Aerospace Super Diamond in the A330-300 (Source: Hainan Airlines)

Safran Aura Lite in the A330-200 and the B787-8 (Source: Hainan Airlines)

The Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat is also featured on Lufthansa’s new Dreamliners, providing a high-quality Business Class experience.

Fleet Overview

As part of the Liaoning Fangda Group, which acquired Hainan Airlines’ aviation division in 2021, Hainan Airlines operates a fleet of around 215 aircraft. This includes both narrow-body and wide-body planes:

• Boeing 737-800: 130 aircraft

• Boeing 737 MAX 8: 17 aircraft

• Airbus A330-200: 8 aircraft

• Airbus A330-300: 20 aircraft

• Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: 10 aircraft

• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 28 aircraft

Hainan Airlines previously operated a fleet of nine Airbus A350 aircraft, which were sold off between 2019 and 2024.

Conclusion

Hainan Airlines continues to expand its international network, offering more travel options between Europe and China. The new Vienna-Chengdu route enhances connectivity for both leisure and business travelers, providing seamless access to China’s vibrant Sichuan Province. With a modern fleet and varied travel classes, including highly rated Business Class seats, Hainan Airlines remains a strong choice for travelers looking for comfort and efficiency on long-haul flights.