Hainan Airlines Wins Mercury Award in On Board Service Category with Its "In-flight Charitable Tickets Auction" Service

HAIKOU, China, Nov. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mercury Awards Ceremony, hosted by the International Travel Catering Association (ITCA), took place on November 25, 2013 at the Shangri-La hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Hainan Airlines won the Mercury Award in the On Board Service category with its "In-flight Charitable Tickets Auction" service.

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The ITCA Mercury Award identifies and congratulates companies and organizations in the travel catering sector who have shown innovation in the creation of their service offerings. The awards are evaluated and selected by an expert jury using innovation, operating quality and customer satisfaction as indices. The Mercury Awards program is a global competition comprising seven unique award categories including On Board Service, Food or Beverage, Equipment, Skills Development, Systems and Process Development, Inspiration and Environment and Sustainability. Since 1982, several airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have been recipients of the Mercury Awards. The On Board Service award won by Hainan Airlines is the most prestigious and sought-after of the awards.

The "In-flight Charitable Tickets Auction" is an in-flight service created by Hainan Airlines in 2001 and available on selected domestic flights of more than three hours' duration. The minimum bid on a one-way ticket is set at 10 yuan (approx. US$1.60) during the in-flight auction. All proceeds are used to fund education, environmental protection, healthcare and other public welfare programs. The winners are required to use the tickets within one year, and the tickets are non-transferable. The passenger name and selected flight can be changed once. The in-flight auction not only creates a relaxed cabin environment but also addresses the passengers' need to feel noticed and taken care of by their selected airline. Passengers are able to participate in the in-fight charitable program while getting a highly sought-after ticket. The 12-year-old service is widely loved by all who fly with Hainan Airlines.

"Cherished Experience". Hainan Airlines is committed to offering passengers the best air travel services under the concept of convenience, warmth and excellence. The company aims to become a world-class airline and air travel service brand by meeting the needs of the flying public, while, at the same time, creating a new and innovative travel experience.