HONG KONG: American Airlines 777-300ER Catches Fire

American Airlines Boeing 777-300(ER) caught fire while being loaded at Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok International Airport at 17:30 local time.

The 2014-delivered aircraft was reportedly being prepared for its scheduled flight AA192 to Los Angeles when a cargo bin caught fire.

According to Martha Thomas, a spokesman for American Airlines, a cargo container caught fire as it was being loaded into the rear cargo compartment of the aircraft.

Even though one ground staff was injured in the process, no passengers or additional crew members were affected by the dramatic fire event.

The airline spokesman clarified that an external piece of loading equipment had a mechanical issue and caught fire while preparing to put cargo in the hold of American Airlines flight 192 from Hong Kong (HKG) to Los Angeles (LAX).

As a result, a pallet on the loading equipment containing non-hazardous goods also caught fire.

Even though the flames affected the container that was about to be loaded into the aircraft, the condition of the Boeing 777 remains unknown.

However, the proximity of the flames to the aircraft’s fuselage may have caused some structural damage.

The flight to Los Angeles has been canceled until further notice.

American Airlines flies daily to Hong Kong on its flagship, the Boeing 777-300(ER).

The airliner is equipped with eight First Class suites, 52 Business Class, 30 Premium Economy and 220 Economy seats.

Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 20 additional 777-300(ER)s and 47 of the older, smaller variant, the -200(ER).

On a related incident, an American Airlines Boeing 767-300(ER) operating flight AA383 from Chicago-O’Hare to Miami, caught fire on runway 28R at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in October 2016.

As the incident unfolded, 161 passengers and nine crew were rapidly evacuated via slides.



Tourism Observer

USA: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Opens New Hotel In Chicago

Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare, its newest property to join Hampton by Hilton, the global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton hotels. The 158-room hotel, located at 9480 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont, is managed by Raymond Management Company.

“Our staff looks forward to greeting business and leisure guests visiting the Windy City. We’re excited to share recommendations to many of Chicago’s finest restaurants and attractions,” said Jeff Fiorito, general manager. “In fact, our guests will have quick access to the CTA Line Rosemont Station which makes traveling to downtown Chicago easy.”

Located a few miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare is also nearby MB Financial Park, The Rivers Casino, Rosemont Shopping Outlets and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Locally-authentic restaurants including Giordano’s and Gene & Georgetti Steakhouse are within walking distance.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, two 273 square foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 20 people total, heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool and a fitness center. The hotel also provides free On the House hot breakfast as well as Hampton’s On the RunTM Breakfast Bags, available Monday through Friday.

The new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby, designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, the hotel features TREATS, a new food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase. Guestrooms are equipped with the brand’s signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed®, large desk, HDTV, microwave, fridge and coffeemaker. Inviting suites are also available, offering additional space and a comfortable sleeper sofa.

Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.