HNA Group Donates 1,000 Tickets to Asia Society to Support US-China Cultural Exchanges

(Source: PR Newswire)

HNA Group, the Asia Game Changer Diplomacy Champion Partner at Asia Society's Annual Game Changer Awards, last night donated 1,000 airline vouchers to the Asia Society in support of their educational and cultural exchange programs that strengthen partnerships between the United States and China.

Commenting on the donation, HNA Group CEO Adam Tan said, "We are pleased to support Asia Society and this ticket donation is part of HNA's global efforts to promote understanding, mutual respect and international relations between China and the US."

"At HNA we have a long history of supporting both cultural and business exchanges, along with our philanthropic efforts focused on mutual social benefits including education and healthcare. We're delighted that by supporting Asia Society, we also further our mission, building unity of spirit and purpose."

The donation was unveiled in conjunction with a new Game Changer Special Recognition Award, symbolically presented to the species of the Giant Panda in a special ceremony at the Chengdu Panda Base in Western China, recognizing the pivotal role the species has played in US-China diplomacy over the past 45 years.

Since President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, a critical step in relations between the two nations, and China'ssubsequent symbolic gift of two Giant Pandas to the U.S. (Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing), the Panda has been a long-reigning diplomatic symbol of peace relations, and increased economic and cultural engagement.

Asia Society President, Josette Sheeran said: "We are most grateful for this generous multi-year commitment by a major global company to build vital bridges between the US, China and Asia. This contribution is deeply appreciated and will help ensure greater dialogue and understanding at a critical time in the world."

The tickets vouchers are for HNA's flagship carrier Hainan Airlines, which last week launched direct services between New York's JFK and the cities of Chongqing and Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda. Tom Nagorski, Asia Society's Executive Vice President, took Hainan Airline's maiden flight from JFK to Chengdu and back again when he presented the award to the pandas on October 28th. The award unveiled last night in a special video segment showcasing HNA's role as 'Diplomacy Champion Partner'.

Each of the routes operate twice weekly on Hainan Airlines' fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with capacity for over 60,000 passengers per year. The Chongqing-New York will be Hainan Airlines' longest flight route - roughly 7,573 miles.