IHG & Hainan Airlines Team Up for Exclusive Travel Adventures

Thursday, March 21, 2024

At a special event featuring Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer, IHG Greater China; Florence Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China; Fenny Chen, Head of Loyalty & Partnerships, IHG Greater China; Ding Yongzheng, Chairman of HNA Aviation Group Co., Ltd and Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Ltd.; Gao Jian, Chairman of Labor Union, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Ltd; Li Dianchun, Vice-President of Marketing, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Ltd; and Liu Jun, Vice-President of Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Ltd., IHG and Hainan Airlines announced their two-year collaboration. This partnership aims to enhance the travel experience between Hainan Free Trade Port and other major cities by combining the strengths and resources of both companies.

Introducing the ‘IHG Explorer’ aircraft, the collaboration signifies a commitment to providing passengers with delightful and surprising travel experiences. The aircraft’s fuselage is adorned with IHG’s iconic deep blue color, marking the first fully themed aircraft launched by Hainan Airlines in collaboration with a hotel group. Inside, the cabin features custom decals and specially designed lumbar pillows created in partnership with the HUALUXE brand and Chinese artist Chen Jiu, offering passengers both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Prior to takeoff, passengers will view a co-branded safety video that seamlessly integrates IHG’s diverse brand portfolio into essential flight safety instructions, showcasing various captivating destinations in China and building anticipation for the journey ahead.

In response to the growing demand for unique dining experiences, IHG is introducing cuisine from its sophisticated Chinese restaurant brand, Cai Feng Lou, on business class dining services. The seasonal menu, ‘Cloud Banquet: Springtime Island Delights’, combines classic Cantonese dishes with the flavors of Hainan, providing passengers with a taste of China’s culinary heritage. Additionally, a co-branded signature tea, ‘HUALUXE Cloud Aroma’, curated in collaboration with HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, adds a touch of Chinese aesthetic lifestyle to the in-flight experience.

Throughout the second quarter of this year, IHG and Hainan Airlines will roll out a range of exciting benefits for members of IHG One Rewards and Fortune Wings Club, offering seamless hospitality and enriching experiences from ground to sky.

Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer, IHG Greater China, said, “Throughout our 49-year presence in Greater China, IHG has consistently prioritised guests’ diverse needs, collaborating with like-minded partners to meet guest demands nationwide, whilst our IHG One Rewards is continually focused on maximising member benefits. Partnering with Hainan Airlines extends this commitment to the air, providing both groups’ members with more immersive travel experiences. From the moment they step onto the plane, guests will be able to enjoy the sense of ‘True Hospitality for Good’ which we aim to convey every day.”

Gao Jian, Chairman of Labor Union, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. Ltd, said: “Over the past two years, guided by Liaoning Fangda Group, New Hainan Airlines has steadfastly intensified its focus on aviation safety, refining its aviation core business to excellence, and aspiring to become a world-class comprehensive aviation service operator with an unwavering commitment to safety, service, and profitability. Demonstrating consistent improvement across all dimensions of safety, service, and efficiency, New Hainan Airlines embodies a revitalized spirit, perspective, and image.

With IHG, a global leader in hospitality, as our collaborator, we will harness our individual strengths in aviation and hospitality to offer customers even more convenient and premium travel services. Together, we will spearhead deep integration between the aviation and tourism sectors, setting a pioneering example for cross-industry collaboration.”

With a portfolio encompassing 19 hotel brands and over 6,300 open hotels across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, IHG remains vigilant in catering to guests’ evolving needs within the dynamic travel market. As a leading hotel loyalty program globally, IHG One Rewards boasts a membership exceeding 130 million, offering a comprehensive array of rewards spanning accommodations, entertainment, travel, and shopping.

Through its collaboration with Hainan Airlines, IHG is spearheading a novel travel experience that underscores its localization strategy and commitment to the Chinese market. Looking ahead, IHG will continue leveraging its diverse range of brands, products, and services to surprise travelers with even more thrilling moments, ensuring each journey is an adventure filled with excitement.

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