Hainan Airlines announces Beijing-Chicago route

Hainan Airlines, the fourth-largest airline in China, will launch another US route in September, the airline said on Wednesday.

The Beijing-Chicago route will run two flights weekly from Sept 3 and the flight will take about 14 hours. The airline already flies to Seattle.

Economy-class passengers on the new route, which will initially use an Airbus 340, will be charged about 5,500 yuan ($895.4) for return tickets up to the end of 2013.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be used on the route eventually, the airline said.

Hainan Airlines ordered 10 Boeing 787 aircraft and is waiting for five deliveries this year.

The carrier also will use the new aircraft on its Seattle and Toronto routes.

China Southern Airlines expect to get a Boeing 787 aircraft by the end of May.