IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hainan Airlines have announced a two-year partnership to provide integrated travel experiences for passengers travelling between Hainan Free Trade Port, China, and other major cities.
IHG said the partnership focuses on streamlining the travel journey by combining air travel with hotel stays and offering exclusive benefits throughout the trip.
A key element of the collaboration is the launch of a branded aircraft known as the IHG Explorer.
This Hainan Airlines plane features IHG's signature blue colour scheme and a cabin designed for passenger comfort and cultural immersion.
Business class passengers will enjoy meals prepared by IHG's renowned Chinese restaurant brand, Cai Feng Lou. The in-flight experience is further enhanced by fully reclining business class seats and custom-designed pillows co-created with a prominent Chinese artist.
Recognising the growing demand for unique culinary experiences, IHG is introducing a seasonally inspired menu showcasing regional Chinese specialities.
The inaugural menu, which is called Cloud Banquet: Springtime Island Delights, blends classic Cantonese dishes with local Hainan flavours for a taste of China's diverse cuisine at altitude.
Hainan Airlines is elevating the in-flight experience further with a co-branded signature tea, HUALUXE Cloud Aroma, developed in collaboration with IHG's luxury hotel brand, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts.
The partnership between IHG and Hainan Airlines signifies a commitment to redefining travel for passengers flying between Hainan and major cities. By offering a seamless travel experience with unique touches, the collaboration aims to create a more enjoyable and memorable journey.
"Throughout our 49-year presence in Greater China, IHG has consistently prioritised guests’ diverse needs,” said Jerome Qiu, chief operating officer, IHG Greater China, in a statement.
“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."
