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"Hong Kong Airlines"

Hong Kong Airlines A330 Suffers Landing Gear Issue in Bangkok

by Len Varley April 4, 2024

written by Len Varley

A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330 bound for Hong Kong, China made a precautionary return to Bangkok on 31 March shortly after takeoff.

Hong Kong Airlines flight HX780, and Airbus A330-300 was in the climb after departure when crew received an abnormal undercarriage indication. According to flight deck indications, one of the landing gear legs had failed to fully retract.

Hong Kong Airlines HX780 Bangkok

After noting the indication, flight crew terminated the climb at 5000 feet and negotiated a precautionary return. The flight subsequently returned and landed at Bangkok approximately 35 minutes after departure.

The aircraft made a safe landing without further incident. Following a ground delay of just over 16 hours the aircraft was subsequently cleared and continued its flight.

Hong Kong Airlines flight HX780 departed Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) on time at 02:04 local time on March 31st.

The flight maintained 5000 feet and conducted manoeuvring, presumably to attempt fault identification/rectification. Following this the aircraft subsequently negotiated a precautionary return to Bangkok.

Airbus A330-300 B-LNR

The aircraft conducting the HX780 rotation to Hong Kong was an Airbus A330-300 registered B-LNR. This is a 14-year old wide-body aircraft belonging to the carrier Hong Kong Airlines.

The aircraft was originally in service with Singapore Airlines. It transferred to the Hong Kong carrier in July 2016, and has been in service since then.

Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) was established in 2006 as a member of the HNA Group and currently flies to over 40 destinations across Asia Pacific. Its main hub is at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Here’s a quick summary of the carrier:

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Tung Chung, Hong Kong
Main Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Destinations: 40+ (primarily Asia Pacific)
Fleet: Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft
Cabin Classes: Business Class and Economy Class

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April 4, 2024 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines Reinstates Kagoshima Services

by Len Varley March 5, 2024

written by Len Varley

Hong Kong Airlines is thrilled to announce the revival of its regular direct flights to Kagoshima, Japan, starting March 31, 2024.

This move signifies the airline’s continued expansion and reinvigoration of travel in the Kyushu region. The move follows last year’s reopening of the region’s Kumamoto route.

Kagoshima Route Resumption

The resumption of direct flights to Kagoshima holds profound significance for Hong Kong Airlines. Initially launched in 2014, Kagoshima was the airline’s first destination in the Kyushu region.

After a hiatus of four years, Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to reintroduce this route, reaffirming its commitment to serving the growing demand for travel in Japan.

In December 2023. The carrier reinstated services to Kumamoto in the Kyushu region, after suspending the flight service in 2016.

Kumamoto was Hong Kong Airlines’ second destination in Kyushu, complementing the existing daily flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka.

Cherry Blossom Season

Scheduled to coincide with the enchanting cherry blossom season, the Kagoshima route operates three times a week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

This strategic timing allows travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms while enjoying the flexibility of a convenient flight schedule.

Exploring Kagoshima: Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage

Situated at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima boasts a temperate climate and an abundance of natural wonders.

From its volcanic landscapes to rejuvenating hot springs, Kagoshima offers travelers a glimpse into Japan’s rich natural heritage.

Additionally, the city is home to several World Natural Heritage sites, further adding to its allure.

Beyond its natural beauty, Kagoshima is renowned for its culinary delights and traditional handicrafts.

Visitors can savor a diverse array of high-quality food and agricultural products unique to the region, while also indulging in maritime activities and exploring local crafts.

A Hong Kong Airlines flight taxis at Sanya Airport. — Photo Credit: Hong Kong Airlines

Summary

Hong Kong Airlines remains dedicated to meeting the diverse travel needs of its passengers. With the resumption of direct flights to Kagoshima, the airline continues its trajectory of expansion in Japan.

Over the past year, Hong Kong Airlines has introduced or resumed services to multiple destinations across Japan, ensuring seamless connectivity and accessibility for travelers.

Hong Kong Airlines is a major airline based in Hong Kong and is a member of the Oneworld alliance. The carrier flies to over 40 destinations in Asia and North America, including popular routes like Hong Kong to Tokyo, Osaka, and Taipei.

Japan Network

Hong Kong Airlines supports the following destinations in Japan:

Tokyo (Narita)
Osaka (Kansai)
Nagoya (Chubu)
Fukuoka
Kumamoto
Kagoshima
Sapporo (New Chitose)
Okinawa (Naha)
Hakodate (seasonal)
Yonago (seasonal)

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March 5, 2024 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines targets double passenger capacity by 2024

by Len Varley November 26, 2023

written by Len Varley

Despite three challenging years marked by the pandemic, Hong Kong Airlines is now experiencing a sustained and optimistic business recovery in 2023.

Mr Jevey Zhang, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, shares the positive news, “Our flight operations have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels sooner than expected, surpassing our initial forecast of a full recovery by mid-2024.”

“Anticipating an 85% average passenger load factor in 2023, the performance outlook is truly optimistic, with a significant increase in both flight sectors and passengers compared to the same period last year.”

Japanese Market Triumph

Hong Kong Airlines has strategically expanded its footprint in Japan, now offering nine destinations, including Kumamoto, Hakodate, and Yonago.

The addition of Phuket and the resumption of flights to Bali showcase a commitment to enhancing the regional route network.

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Notably, the airline is set to become the exclusive carrier with direct flights from Hong Kong to the Maldives, extending its network coverage to 25 destinations.

The Japanese market has played a pivotal role in this success, with passenger load factors consistently exceeding 90% during peak travel seasons.

The yen exchange rate and a rebound in tourism further contribute to the outstanding performance in this key market.

Navigating Challenges with Caution

Chairman Zhang acknowledges the complexity of rebuilding operations in the post-pandemic era. Challenges range from recruiting and training cabin crew to global competition for maintenance resources.

Despite these hurdles, Hong Kong Airlines remains cautious yet optimistic about the Japanese market while exploring new opportunities.

In an expansion move, Hong Kong Airlines has welcomed several Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft this year, expanding its fleet to 21 aircraft by year-end.

This not only facilitates flight resumptions but also increases seat capacity and enhances the overall passenger experience. The airline plans to further expand its fleet by 30% by 2024, doubling overall passenger traffic.

Air Bridges in the Greater Bay Area

Hong Kong Airlines continues to invest in the Mainland China market, aiming to build air bridges for inter-regional travel and trade.

Leveraging infrastructure projects and the third runway system at Hong Kong International Airport, the airline is poised to optimize its network coverage and service offerings.

The vision includes deepening ‘multi-modal transport’ with other cities in the Greater Bay Area, creating seamless ‘air-land-air’ travel experiences.

Global Talent Acquisition Drive

With the rapid resumption of flights, the carrier is actively recruiting talent globally, aiming for a 20% workforce growth in the coming year.

Focusing on cabin crew and ground staff, the company has organized large-scale recruitment events in mainland China and Japan. The goal is not only to meet current demands but to prepare for the anticipated growth in 2024.

Summary

As a gesture of gratitude to passengers, Hong Kong Airlines is celebrating its 17th anniversary with an eight-day limited-time flight ticket discount.

From November 27 to December 4, over 50,000 one-way “Economic Basic Fare” tickets to 14 destinations in China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will be available at enticing prices, valid until June 2024.

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November 26, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines resumes direct Kumamoto services

by Len Varley October 8, 2023

written by Len Varley

Hong Kong Airlines has now announced the resumption of its direct service to Kumamoto, Japan. With a scheduled launch date of December 2, 2023, this revival comes as welcome news as air travel demand continues its resurgence.

It will become the second destination in Japan’s Kyushu region to be served by the carrier.

Reconnecting with Kumamoto

After a lengthy hiatus since its last operation in 2016, Hong Kong Airlines will reintroduce Kumamoto as a prominent destination in its expanding Japanese network.

The airline aims to initially operate this route three times a week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

This strategic move marks the fifth destination launched by Hong Kong Airlines this year, reinforcing its commitment to providing diverse travel choices and enhanced convenience for passengers traveling to and from Japan.

Discovering Kumamoto

Kumamoto, nestled in the heart of Kyushu, boasts a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes that have been capturing the hearts of travelers worldwide.

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Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat as they can immerse themselves in the dramatic volcanic terrains and witness the awe-inspiring active volcanoes at Mount Aso, renowned for having one of the world’s largest calderas.

Classified as a national park, Mount Aso showcases its bountiful natural beauty, including its colossal volcanic caldera.

Adding to the allure, the energy radiated by this majestic volcano has gifted Kumamoto with numerous rejuvenating hot springs, inviting travelers to relax and unwind in the midst of nature’s marvel.

Bridging Northern and Central Kyushu

Kumamoto is set to become Hong Kong Airlines’ second destination in Kyushu, effectively complementing the existing daily flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka.

This strategic move not only enhances connectivity within Kyushu but also opens up a plethora of travel options for passengers.

Whether you’re drawn to the cultural treasures of Kumamoto or the vibrant cityscape of Fukuoka, Hong Kong Airlines has you covered.

Hong Kong Airlines’ Expanding Japanese Network

As Hong Kong Airlines continues to expand its presence in Japan, it remains committed to exploring new routes that cater to the dreams and aspirations of travelers.

Currently, the airline operates flights to seven captivating destinations in Japan. These include daily flights to Nagoya and Fukuoka, twice-daily flights to Okinawa, thrice-daily flights to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka, and three weekly flights to Sapporo.

With Kumamoto joining this esteemed list, travelers have even more options to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.

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October 8, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines resumes Sanya services

by Len Varley July 4, 2023

written by Len Varley

Hong Kong Airlines and Sanya Phoenix International Airport have celebrated the resumption of daily flights to Sanya, coinciding with the successful relaunch of the airport’s international terminal.

The event, held on July 1st, marked the 26th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the 29th Anniversary of Phoenix Airport.

Inaugural flight HX161

To commemorate the launch of the new passenger terminal and welcome Hong Kong Airlines’ first flight, a grand celebratory event took place at Phoenix Airport.

The inaugural flight, HX161, carried guests from the travel industry, including senior management from Hong Kong Airlines, Legislative Council member Mr Perry Yiu Pak-Leung, and Assistant Commissioner for Tourism Ms Trinky Chan.

The passengers were warmly welcomed upon their arrival in Sanya, creating a sense of homecoming for everyone involved.

The resumption of Hong Kong Airlines’ daily flights and the opening of the new terminal at Phoenix Airport signify a remarkable recovery for the aviation industry in the post-pandemic era.

These developments not only contribute to the growth of the tourism sector but also stimulate economic activity and strengthen connections between Hong Kong and Hainan. They effectively establish an essential aerial bridge between Hong Kong’s international financial center and Hainan’s free trade port.

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Sanya as a key destination

Mr. Hou Wei, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, expressed his pride in being the first airline to operate in the newly expanded and modernized international terminal of Phoenix Airport.

He emphasized the significance of Sanya as a key destination for the airline since its inaugural service in 2007. Hong Kong Airlines aims to rebuild its network and strengthen its presence in Hainan.

Mr. Hou Wei expressed confidence in forging stronger bonds between the two regions, contributing to their economic growth by collaborating closely with local authorities and businesses.

The timing of route resumption just before the anniversary celebration of Sanya airport added to the atmosphere of joy and excitement for all involved. As a local carrier, Hong Kong Airlines says that it remains dedicated to offering customers more travel options.

This commitment is reflected in the gradual resumption of services to cover additional destinations, made possible by the recently expanded A330 fleet.

A spokesperson for Sanya Airport highlighted the significance of the resumption of flights between Hong Kong and Sanya for the economic and tourism development of both regions.

They emphasized the airport’s efforts to restore international passenger routes by implementing special protection plans, refining protection details, and conducting preparatory work.

These measures aim to enhance support capabilities for international flights and port service functions, further promoting the growth of the aviation industry.

Future growth plans

Looking ahead, Hong Kong Airlines plans to increase flight frequency in the coming months of July and August. Passengers can expect a wider range of travel options as the airline operates services to nine destinations in Mainland China and 14 regional destinations.

Hong Kong Airlines says that it will continue to adjust its flight schedule to provide the best travel and transit options for both business and leisure travellers.

July 4, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines expands its Airbus A330 fleet

by Len Varley June 29, 2023

written by Len Varley

Hong Kong Airlines is taking significant steps to expedite its business recovery and enhance its route network by introducing additional Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft.

The airline is also actively recruiting talent from both local and international sources to ensure it has the necessary resources in place to support its operations.

The first of the newly added A330 widebody aircraft embarked on its inaugural flight to Bangkok on 21 June, perfectly timed to cater to the surge in summer travel demand.

Two additional aircraft for summer

The airline is thrilled to announce that two more A330s will be added to its fleet this summer, further bolstering its capacity to provide exceptional service to customers and support the expansion of its route network.

With a total of three additional A330 widebody aircraft, Hong Kong Airlines is confident in its ability to meet the evolving needs of passengers and drive business recovery.

Mr. Hou Wei, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, expressed his optimism about the airline’s recent performance, stating, “During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, our ticket sales were strong and reached a peak since the pandemic began.”

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“In fact, the load factor even exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 7%. This encouraging result demonstrates our continued efforts to resume flights and expand our flight destination network, while significantly improving our profitability.”

“We are committed to accelerating the recovery of flights and expanding our coverage,” Mr Wei concluded in summary.

Airline recruitment drive

In terms of talent recruitment, Hong Kong Airlines has achieved its recruitment goals for the first half of the year despite fierce competition in both the local and overseas talent markets.

The company remains committed to actively recruiting skilled professionals to support its rapidly growing business and expanding fleet.

Furthermore, resources will be allocated to provide effective training to enhance competitiveness. Hong Kong Airlines eagerly looks forward to welcoming more exceptional talent to its team.

The A330 widebody

The fuel-efficient A330 widebody aircraft has been a staple in the aviation industry for many years. The newly added aircraft features a total of 292 seats, including 32 in Business Class and 260 in Economy Class.

The interior of the A330 has been refurbished with Hong Kong Airlines’ classic seat covers, providing passengers with a delightful flying experience in its spacious cabin and comfortable seating.

The aircraft also offers ample overhead storage space, ensuring travelers’ comfort and convenience throughout their journey.

Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to reintroduce appropriately aged A330 widebody aircraft to its fleet as part of its commitment to rebuilding its network and delivering reliable service to customers.

Following the successful launch of a new service to Phuket on 21 June, the airline has scheduled the resumption of service to Sanya on 1 July and the inauguration of a brand-new service to Nagoya on 8 July.

With the increased number of A330s, the carrier plans to upgrade its flight operations to destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Bangkok, Taipei, and Shanghai using widebody aircraft.

Additionally, frequencies will be increased in July and August to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable summer travel experience for passengers.

In conclusion, Hong Kong Airlines is taking proactive measures to expedite its business recovery and enhance its services. By introducing additional Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, the airline aims to meet the growing demand for travel and expand its route network.

June 29, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines to add Nagoya services

by Len Varley May 23, 2023

written by Len Varley

The expansion of Hong Kong Airlines across Japan continues, with the announcement of a new four-times weekly service connecting Hong Kong and Nagoya from 8 July 2023.

Following the launch of the Fukuoka service in April and the additional flights to other resumed destinations in Japan, the service to Nagoya represents Hong Kong Airlines continued efforts to provide travellers more options to explore the country.

Japan summer travel demand

Nagoya is the capital city of Aichi Prefecture and home to 2.3 million people. As the transportation hub of Japan, it is an important gateway for travellers to easily connect to different popular attractions.

From the magnificent Nagoya Castle, which has a significant place in Japanese history, to the scenic countryside of Shirakawagō, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Nagoya is an excellent destination for those looking to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Japan.

Hong Kong Airlines continues to optimise its flight operations to meet the increasing demand for summer travel between Hong Kong and Japan.

In addition to the two daily flights to Osaka and Okinawa, and three weekly flights to Sapporo; flights to Tokyo (Narita) will be increased to three times daily from June, while flights to Fukuoka and Nagoya will become daily from June and August respectively.

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About Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines is a privately owned airline based in Hong Kong. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Tung Chung, Hong Kong. The airline’s main hub is Hong Kong International Airport.

It operates a fleet of Airbus A320neo, Airbus A330neo, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline offers flights to over 25 destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America.

The carrier is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. This alliance allows Hong Kong Airlines passengers to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by other SkyTeam airlines.

the airline has been awarded a number of awards, including the Skytrax award for “Best Regional Airline in Asia” in 2018.

Recovery in the post-pandemic era

Hong Kong Airlines has been one of the hardest hit airlines by the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline’s passenger traffic fell by 97% in 2020, and it was forced to ground a significant portion of its fleet. The airline also lost money in 2020, and it was forced to seek government assistance.

In 2021, the carrier’s passenger traffic began to recover, but it was still well below pre-pandemic levels. The airline also continued to lose money in 2021.

Last month, the airline announced that a strategic investment fund has been secured for its restructuring to take effect, thereby expediting its business recovery and returning to a healthy growth trajectory.

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr. Hou Wei acknowledged the three challenging years experienced by the airline during the difficult pandemic. He stated:

“In the year ahead, our focus remains on business recovery, supported by strategic route planning and fleet realignment. The company will strive to offer our customers more choices and top-notch service, strengthening our role in developing Hong Kong as a world-class aviation hub.”

May 23, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines launches direct service to Phuket

by Len Varley March 30, 2023

written by Len Varley

As international travel rebounds at a swift pace, Hong Kong Airlines has increased its flight capacity to meet the rising demand.

In addition to its previously announced new Fukuoka service on 7 April 2023, the airline today announced a four-times weekly service between Hong Kong and Phuket starting from 16 June 2023.

This move aims to strengthen and expand the connectivity between Hong Kong and regional destinations, thereby facilitating a wider range of travel alternatives for passengers.

Phuket

Phuket is located in the southern region of Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea on the Indian Ocean coast.

As the largest island in Thailand, it draws millions of tourists each year. Being one of the most popular leisure travel destinations in Thailand, Phuket offers diverse range of experiences.

For travellers this typically means unwinding on the sandy beaches, exploring the local culture in the old town, and surfing on white sand beaches, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of pristine nature.

Hong Kong Airlines continues to adjust its network strategies and launching the new service to Phuket will further leverage Hong Kong’s connectivity as a regional hub in Asia to meet the demand of international transit and travel need in the Southeast Asia region.

The airline is increasing its flight capacity gradually in preparation for the forthcoming summer holidays and peak travel season.

Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing a comfortable, secure, and convenient travel experience to passengers, whether they are travelling with family, friends, or alone.

Thailand tourism market

Thailand is an important travel destination for Hong Kong residents. Thailand is a popular holiday destination among Hong Kong people, thanks to its close proximity, warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural attractions.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Hong Kong is one of the top 10 source markets for Thailand’s tourism industry. In 2019, more than 860,000 Hong Kong visitors traveled to Thailand, accounting for around 2% of all international visitors.

Hong Kong visitors are known for their high spending and long stays in Thailand, making them an important segment of the country’s tourism market.

Thailand has been a popular destination for Hong Kong residents for many years, with direct flights from Hong Kong to Bangkok and other cities in Thailand operated by several airlines.

In addition, the two countries have a close relationship, with many cultural and business ties between them.

About Hong Kong Airlines

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 25 destinations across the Asia Pacific, and currently maintains 89 interline and 16 codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers.

Hong Kong Airlines operates an all Airbus fleetincluding A330, A350, and A320 family aircraft. The airline’s focus is on providing a premium travel experience to its passengers, with a range of services and amenities offered on board, including flatbed seats in Business Class and in-flight entertainment systems.

The airline faced financial difficulties in recent years, partly due to intense competition in the aviation industry and a challenging operating environment in Hong Kong.

In 2018, the airline faced financial difficulties and underwent a restructuring process, which included cost-cutting measures and a reduction in its route network.

It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011.

March 30, 2023 0 comment

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines launches Beijing Daxing service

by aolstad February 20, 2023

written by aolstad

LONDON – Hong Kong based airline, Hong Kong Airlines, have just recently announced a new service to the Beijing Daxing airport in China, commencing March 15.

In launching this service, Hong Kong Airlines becomes the first Hong Kong local airline to service this route, as well as operating to two airports in Beijing.

The new route

Hong Kong Airlines will now be able to be seen at two Beijing airports, as the airline now plans to additionally serve Beijing Daxing with a four time weekly frequency from next month.

The Hong Kong based carrier already operates to the Beijing Capital Int’l Airport (PEK), and the second route to Beijing Daxing (PKX), will make the carrier the first Hong Kong local carrier to launch this route, and the first one to operate to two Beijing airports.

Daxing Airport is the second international airport of Beijing along with Beijing Capital International Airport, and currently has four runways in service.

Acting as an important hub for connections, the airport connects the Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei areas.

The timetable

The flights are as mentioned, scheduled to fly four times per week. They will operate under the flight numbers of HK308 and HK309, with the time table being as follows with all times being local:

Route	Flight Number	Departure	Arrival	Frequency
Hong Kong – Beijing Daxing	HX308	09:35	12:55	Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
Beijing Daxing – Hong Kong	HX309	13:55	17:35

Courtesy of Hong Kong Airlines.

* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice

Proud to be first

With the airline being the first local Hong Kong carrier to provide service to both Beijing airports, and with the Chinese borders opening up, the new route will support increasing travel demand.

In their recent announcement, the airline states the following:

“Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to be the first Hong Kong local airline to provide service to Beijing Daxing International Airport as well as to operate in both two international airports in Beijing.”

“Following the relaxation of travel restrictions in China and worldwide, more flights are set to be resumed to meet the increased demand for international transit traffic as well as local travel.”

“Launching direct flight service to Daxing International Airport will provide customers with more flexible travel options.”

Members get rebate for a limited time

With the ticket reservations now open at Hong Kong Airlines’ website, the Fortune Wings Club members will be invited to redeem award fares in economy class on the new Beijing Daxing route, to get a 50% award travel back on the points used.

The redemption period is to last from the announcement day, to 31 March 2023, for travel dates between March 15 and April 30, 2023.

Pre-pandemic levels by 2024

With the Chinese borders reopening, Hong Kong Airlines will be looking to recruit up to one thousand new staff during 2023, in a bid to meet the increased demand the airline has seen since the reopening.

Some borders in the Asia region have been closed for up to one thousand days, crippling what was once a thriving air travel economy.

Hong Kong based airlines can expect to be busy, with media in Hong Kong reporting that approximately 300,000 travel bookings have been made between the southern city and mainland China since flights between the two resumed.

Many travel movements involved the reuniting of families and friends that have not seen one another for close to three years.

In January, the carrier planned to increase operations throughout the month to regional destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, Sapporo, Seoul, Bangkok, Manila,Hanoi, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Haikou.

This represents 50% of the operational level the airline was at prior to the pandemic.

The carrier plans to be at 75% of its pre-Covid flight levels by the end of 2023, with 100% resumption of operations during the middle of 2024.

February 20, 2023 0 comment

Incident

AAIA makes safety recommendation to Hong Kong Airlines in report on 2019 turbulence incident

by Len Varley February 9, 2023

written by Len Varley

LONDON – Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has today published its investigation report (01-2023) into an in-flight turbulence encounter involving a Hong Kong Airlines flight.

The 2019 accident

The Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) Airbus A330-243 (registration mark B-LHA) was enroute from Beijing to Hong Kong on June 18, 2019 when it encountered severe turbulence near the Nansha District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.

Prior to that point, the aircraft had been experiencing moderate turbulence during the cruise. Prior to the descent phase, the captain had informed the cabin crew manager that the forecast weather in Hong Kong was bad, and to prepare the cabin for an early arrival.

During the cabin crew pre-landing checks, whilst the seatbelt sign was on, the aircraft encountered a region of moderate to severe turbulence in the captain instructed the cabin crew to take their seats.

During the severe turbulence encounter, one cabin crew member sustained a right foot injury. She was transferred immediately to the airport clinic for medical treatment on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport.

She was later transferred to Prince Margaret hospital with a fracture to the right foot, which was sustained during the in-flight turbulence incident.

Safety actions by Hong Kong airlines

Following the accident, the airline proactively formed the “2019 Turbulence Working Group” to follow up on cabin safety issues arising from turbulence events.

The working group subsequently held two meetings in 2019 following the accident in question. The workshop was also conducted to discuss risk assessment and rectification actions for any in-flight turbulence situations encountered.

Several cabin in-flight inspections (16 in total) were conducted by the airline to ensure that appropriate turbulence management and related standard operating procedures (SOP) were being complied with.

AAIA safety recommendations

The report noted that the aircraft was airworthy and the weather radar system was functioning normally at the time of the occurrence. Crew operation of the radar system, and procedures including the selection of seatbelt signs had been appropriate and met compliance.

The safety body found that the cause of the accident was unexpected severe turbulence during the aircraft’s descent into Hong Kong.

Concluding their investigation of the accident, the AAIA made only one safety recommendation. It observed that there would be a safety benefit to the airline in maintaining their established Working Group as a routine safety function.

A full copy of the AAIA report can be found here.

February 9, 2023 0 comment

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