HAINAN AIRLINES (Guangzhou Baiyun International to Hangzhou Xiaoshan), FIRST CLASS, BOEING 737-800

The First Class cabin belonging to Hainan Airlines Boeing 737-800: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Route: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport

Departure date and time of flight: 10:50am, October 2014

Flight Number: HU7361

Callsign: Hainan

Flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Cabin: First Class

Aircraft type: Boeing 737-84P

Aircraft in service: 98

Aircraft registration: B-5636

Engines: Two CFMI CFM56-7B26

First flight: 06/01/2012

Aircraft serial number: 38149 LN:3889

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight departed around 20 minutes late due to the morning rush hour in Guangzhou. We were behind a whole host of big jets such as a couple of Air China A320s, China Southern 777s, and even Hainan Airlines A330s. Rush hour at Guangzhou can be hectic. Both Runways 02L and 02R are used for take-offs (depending on wind). We departed from Runway 02L.

The flight route provided some fabulous views across to the horizon, and even had splendid views when coming into land at Hangzhou. 

Comments on check-in:

My flight into Guangzhou with Dragonair from Hong Kong was delayed. Therefore, because that was an international flight, I had to transfer to a domestic flight to catch this flight to Hangzhou. The sheer scale of Guangzhou airport can test one’s health limits. I had to run as fast as I could. After that 10 minute sprint with all the heavy luggage and clothes, not only was I sweating like a pig, but was also feeling as if I had been to the gym in my suit! But after I arrived at the domestic check-in, everything went perfectly smoothly afterwards.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Just drinks (non-alcoholic), and including tea and coffee.  

Comments regarding the first meal:

For this two-hour flight, a Chinese lunch was offered in the First Class cabin.

A tray containing hot dishes including:

A starter dish consisting of corncob, dumpling and mantou
Hainan style chicken satay with salad and lemon slice
Hainan style chicken with fragrant rice
Egg and seaweed soup
Freshly cut exotic fruit (dragon fruit, melon and water melon)

The above dishes were accompanied with tea or coffee.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks were offered before (orange juice and water), during, and after the meal. 
No alcohol, but plenty of milk, coffee and tea. There was also apple juice as well.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The cabin crew seemed proud to work for Hainan Airlines and were very welcoming. The passengers in First Class were kept well informed of any delays, and even the weather situation in Hangzhou. The Captain was kind enough to inform me of the Runway that we were going to land on so that I can take photos of the city.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with winglets belonging to Hainan Airlines had a seat configuration of 2-2 in First Class and a configuration of 3-3 in Economy Class. The plane was very clean and had a fresh smell to it.

Economy Class seats have a pitch of 31 inches, and a width of 18 inches (139 seats)
First Class seats have a pitch of 38 inches, and a width of 21 inches (20 seats).