BEIJING, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Air China’s B747-8 Intercontinental debuts internationally on the Beijing-New York route on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. Expected arrival at JFK International is at 1:30 p.m. EST local time. A New York welcome awaits the B747-8i’s first international flight from Beijing, starting with a traditional water cannon salute shortly after landing, followed by a reception inside the cabin hosted by Air China’s New York offices led by Mr. Yuelong Zhou, General Manager.

Air China’s Flights 981 and 982 will be operated by the new-generation B747-8i on a daily basis while Flights 988 and 989 continue to be operated by B777-300ER.

Air China is the launch carrier in Asia for Boeing’s newest wide body passenger aircraft. It is also the first in China to operate the B747-8i and the only airline with nonstop services between New York and Beijing.

“We are pleased that our Beijing headquarters has chosen New York for the international launch of the B747-8i. It is only fitting that the largest city in the United States is the first Air China gateway in North America to operate the fuel-efficient, environment-friendly B747-8i,” Mr. Zhou said.

“More importantly,” Mr. Zhou added, “the B747-8i is the first aircraft in Air China’s fleet with a four-cabin configuration. This is significant as this provides travelers from New York and other neighboring cities to China and beyond with more options.”

Air China’s B747-800i features 12 luxury suites in the Forbidden Pavilion first class cabin, 54 fully-flat sleepers Capital Pavilion business class, 66 premium economy seats and 233 in the economy cabin for a total of 365 seats.

The business class 180-degree flat-bed seats are split between the main deck and the entire upper deck, giving Air China’s guests an exclusive private space. Majority of the lie-flat sleepers are arranged in a staggered 2-2 configuration.

Seats in premium economy and economy cabins offer more legroom for maximum comfort. An enhanced entertainment system offers a wide array of user-friendly features, including mobile phone apps and a sliding touch control.

Air China’s B747-8i is also the first to sport the company’s new cabin interior which depicts three traditional Chinese cultural elements that represent the harmonious unity of heaven, earth and sky.