Hainan Airlines to launch non-stop Beijing-Phuket route

Hainan Airlines is preparing to launch non-stop flights on the route linking Beijing and Thailand's Phuket on July 31, 2010 becoming the first and only domestic carrier to offer such a service.

The fourth-largest carrier in China will operate three weekly flights on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flights will depart from Beijing at 18:00 local time and arrive in Phuket at 22:50 local time. The return flight to Beijing will depart at 23:50 local time and arrive the following day at 06:15 local time.

The route will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The non-stop flights will cut travel time by more than five hours, making it much more convenient for air passengers to the tropical island.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is often dubbed "the pearl of the Andaman".