Vienna Airport and Hainan Airlines have jointly assumed sponsorship of the two giant pandas, Lan Yun and He Feng, at Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna. The partnership was officially announced alongside the launch of a prize competition offering a trip to Chengdu, China, home of the pandas, including a direct flight on Hainan Airlines, hotel accommodation, and admission to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The sponsorship symbolizes strengthened ties between Austria and China and highlights the partners’ shared commitment to wildlife conservation and tourism cooperation. A photo event at Schönbrunn Zoo marked the collaboration, attended by Eric Zhuo Zhang, General Manager of Hainan Airlines Vienna Office, Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, Director of Schönbrunn Zoo, and Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
Symbolic Partnership Strengthens Cultural and Tourism Links
“This godparenthood stands for our close ties to China. At the same time, it sends out a strong signal in favour of species protection. Lan Yun and He Feng are fluffy ambassadors for their endangered counterparts in the wild and symbolise the friendly bridge linking our cultures,” said Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport. He added that Hainan Airlines’ direct flight connection to Chengdu enhances accessibility to one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations, fostering tourism and international cooperation.
Hainan Airlines and Vienna Airport are using the panda sponsorship to promote connectivity and awareness of China’s Sichuan province, where the species originates. “As an international airline, Hainan Airlines not only connects cities but also cultures, economic regions, and people with each other. The collaboration with Schönbrunn Zoo and Vienna Airport is a special honour for us, and a wonderful example how aviation can promote cultural exchange,” said Eric Zhuo Zhang, General Manager of Hainan Airlines Vienna Office.
Schönbrunn Zoo, home to the two pandas since April 2025, welcomed the support from both partners. “Giant Pandas inspire people all around the world and stand for the necessity of global protective measures, perhaps more than any other animal,” said Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck, Director of Schönbrunn Zoo. “The fact that we were able to attract two such strong partners like Vienna Airport and Hainan Airlines to support our panda project shows how multifaceted actively practiced species protection can be.”
Prize Competition Offers Trip to Chengdu
To mark the launch, Vienna Airport and Hainan Airlines are inviting participants to enter an online competition at www.viennaairport.com/en/pandas. The first prize features two Hainan Airlines tickets from Vienna to Chengdu, a hotel stay arranged via Trip.com, and entry to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Winners will also enjoy lounge access at Vienna Airport’s award-winning VIENNA Lounge. Second and third prizes include annual passes to Schönbrunn Zoo.
The contest is open across several Central European markets, with additional language options in Slovak, Hungarian, and Czech available on the Vienna Airport website. The initiative aims to generate interest in Chengdu as a travel destination while promoting awareness of species protection efforts linked to the pandas’ conservation.
Located in Sichuan province, Chengdu is home to China’s most renowned panda reserves and a key hub in the country’s “Belt and Road” project. The city is known for its cultural heritage, Sichuan cuisine, and proximity to natural and historical attractions, including the Leshan Giant Buddha. Hainan Airlines operates three weekly direct flights between Vienna and Chengdu—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—with a flight time of approximately 10 hours. The carrier also maintains a direct connection between Vienna and Shenzhen.
As one of Europe’s major air hubs, Vienna Airport serves as a gateway for travelers between Central Europe and Asia. Its VIENNA Lounge, named Europe’s best lounge, offers premium amenities including regional cuisine, art displays, and a terrace overlooking the airfield. The airport’s collaboration with Hainan Airlines continues to position Vienna as a bridge for business and tourism links between Europe and China.
Hainan Airlines, a 5-Star Skytrax-rated carrier, is recognized for its service quality and modern long-haul experience. The airline’s continued expansion in Europe and partnerships such as this sponsorship reflect its focus on connecting global destinations through aviation, culture, and sustainability.
Giant pandas have lived at Schönbrunn Zoo for more than 20 years as part of a conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The current pair, Lan Yun and He Feng, have been on display since May 2025 in a newly redesigned panda enclosure, one of the most modern in Europe. More information about the zoo’s panda program is available at www.zoovienna.at.
