First Direct Flight to Beijing from DC

I purposely left a news that is going on in DC from my previous post, because it has special meaning to me and other Chinese who live in DC area. Today marks the first direct flight from DC to Beijing operated by United.

Special ceremony is being held this morning, and the flight departs from Dulles International Airport in Virginia at 12:30pm. Event details are:

9:30 a.m. -- (TRANSPORT/CHINA/FLIGHT) EVENT -- Gov. Timothy Kaine (D-Va.); Zheng Zeguang, minister of the Chinese Embassy; H.R. Crawford, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA); and former FAA administrator Jane Garvey, chairman of the Capital-to-Capital Coalition, attend an event to celebrate United 897, the first-ever nonstop flight between Washington and Beijing. The feature traditional Chinese dragon dancers, and the plane will be adorned to symbolize the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded United Airlines the new nonstop U.S.-China route in February 2007, stating that the route "will provide the greatest public benefit and promote the national interest."

Schedule

9:30 a.m.: Media check-in begins and security escort to gate

10:30 a.m.: Photo Opportunities at the gate

11 a.m.: Remarks from speakers

12:30 p.m.: United 897 departs

Location: Washington-Dulles International Airport, Gate C3

Contact: 847-700-5538 or 847-700-4088 ormedia.relations@united.com

Note: Media must RSVP to United Airlines media relations by Tuesday, March 27 at 5 p.m.. Once in the United terminal, check in at counter marked Position 80 (located in the back lobby) to obtain a security pass. Photo IDs are required.