Dr. Zhihang Chi, Air China’s Vice President & General Manager for North America, officially announced today the deployment of one of Air China’s B777-300 ERs on the Los Angeles-Beijing route effective February 1, 2012. 

As the largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, the B777-300ER is cleaner, greener and more fuel-efficient.  It also brings twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. 

“With its numerous performance enhancements in the range and payload capabilities, the B777-300ER is the perfect aircraft for the Los Angeles-Beijing route.  The upgrade enhances Air China’s advantage in the highly competitive Los Angeles market,” Dr. Chi stated.

On September 1, 2011, Air China doubled its daily flight between Los Angeles and Beijing, the first time in the company’s history that the capacity is increased in a daily fashion to an international point. The new state-of-the-art B777-300ER will debut on the night flight, CA 984/CA983, between LAX and Beijing.  Air China is the only airline that provides nonstop service between these two cities.

Passengers of Air China will be treated to a host of onboard amenities.  The environment-friendly B777-300ER delivers better fuel performance and is much quieter than other aircraft.  Its sculpted side walls, ceiling and overhead carry-on compartments create a feeling of openness and space. The aircraft cabin is configured with 8 Forbidden Pavilion first class luxury suites, 41 fully flat Capital Pavilion business class seats and 259 economy seats. The enhanced entertainment system features generous monitor screens at 23 inches in first class , 15 inches in business and 9 inches in economy. As well there is a wide range of audio and video on demand (AVOD) program and a 3D Airshow.  Personal power outlets are available in all three cabins.

Designed to ensure maximum passenger comfort, the interior of Air China’s B777-300ER features ten mood lighting variations in the Forbidden and Capital Pavilions, each timed to complement the various phases of a flight—from boarding through meal service, sleeping and pre-arrival.  The ambient lighting recreates the sunset, night and sunrise to reflect the various services associated with each phase and create a totally relaxing environment.  The Air Over fridge-typed galley preserves the freshness of the inflight meals, ensuring Air China’s passengers of the top quality of the food served throughout the duration of the flight. Additionally, wardrobe lockers, central bars, espresso, wine coolers, box for small items are available in premium cabins. 

“The current day flight between Los Angeles and Beijing (CA 988/CA 987) will be upgraded to the B777-300ER in June 2012.  Later this year and in early 2013, our New York and San Francisco routes are expected to be upgraded to the same aircraft as well,” Dr. Chi said.

A member of Star Alliance, Air China is the world’s largest airline by market capitalization, according to IATA.  Its network of 289 routes extends throughout Asia to the Middle East, Europe, South and North America from its main hub at Beijing Capital International Airport.  In the first half of 2011, Air China, together with its subsidiaries, carried a total of 33.65 million passengers.  Air China has 80.9% stake in Air Macau, 29.99% in Cathay Pacific Airways and the controlling share of Shenzhen Airlines Company and Shandong Airlines.