IHG Explorer: A branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner with customized business class dining options

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a dynamic partnership with Hainan Airlines that delivers a richly integrated travel experience, both by air and by land. The partnership brings to life the ‘IHG Explorer’, a branded aircraft with tailor-made business class dining options, extensive member benefits and a creative branded safety video.

IHG is one of the first international hotel companies to enter the Chinese market and continues to adhere to an ‘in China, for China’ business approach, prioritizing the development of the Chinese market with a focus on providing localized ‘True Hospitality for the good’. , building hotel brands loved by guests, and delivering excellent returns for owners and shareholders. Together, IHG and Hainan Airlines are redefining travel by incorporating diverse cultural elements into guests’ journeys, while driving tourism development through personalized experiences.

The two-year collaboration between IHG and Hainan Airlines brings together the strengths and resources of both companies, with a partnership that aims to create exceptional ‘in-flight travel experiences’ while enriching travel for those who venture between Hainan Free Trade Port and Other Major Cities.

A new definition of air travel with surprises and innovation

The partnership has led to the debut of the ‘IHG Explorer’ aircraft, which represents both companies’ continued commitment to delivering delightful travel experiences that are full of surprises for passengers. The fuselage of the ‘IHG Explorer’ is painted with IHG’s iconic deep blue color, marking the first time Hainan Airlines has launched a fully themed aircraft together with a hotel group. The overhead bin is adorned with bespoke decals visible throughout, while the business class area is adorned with bespoke lumbar cushions designed in collaboration with HUALUXE brand and Chinese artist Chen Jiu – immersing travelers in charming Chinese aesthetics while enjoying the comfort of 180-degree reclining seats.

Before departing, passengers can watch a creative, co-branded safety video that combines IHG’s extensive and diverse brand portfolio with essential flight safety instructions. The video highlights many of the group’s exciting destinations in China, increasing guests’ excitement for an exceptional trip.

Enjoy the taste of the seasons during the flight

Amid a booming culinary tourism market, guests are increasingly drawn to unique dining experiences and cultural immersions. With its in-depth knowledge of traditional Chinese culture and innovative culinary concepts, IHG introduces dishes from its refined Chinese restaurant brand Cai Feng Lou on board business class dining services. Through a seasonally inspired range of exquisite Chinese dishes, the menu paints a vivid picture of regional delicacies. The first seasonal menu, ‘Cloud Banquet: Springtime Island Delights’, seamlessly combines classic Cantonese dishes with the local flavors of Hainan, capturing the richness of China’s culinary heritage. In addition, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts has collaborated with Hainan Airlines to offer a co-branded signature tea, ‘HUALUXE Cloud Aroma’, which elevates the in-air experience with a touch of ‘Chinese aesthetic lifestyle’.

A shared journey of seamless hospitality

IHG and Hainan Airlines will gradually introduce more diverse member benefits in the second quarter of this year, offering IHG One Rewards and Fortune Wings Club members a range of exciting experiences – with rich member benefits from land to air.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is a winner of WIRED magazine’s Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award. Among other awards, the blog has also been named ‘one of the best travel blogs in the world’ and ‘best in luxury’ by The Daily Telegraph.