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"Flying Beyond" with Hong Kong Airlines for 10th Anniversary, Embarking on a New International Journey

Network to be Extended to Major Cities in North America Including Vancouver in 2017
2016-11-29 14:39 4012

HONG KONG, Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Airlines ("the Company"), an acclaimed full-service airline rooted in Hong Kong, has progressed in step with Hong Kong and become a globally-recognised carrier focused on innovation and quality service. To commemorate its first decade of business, Hong Kong Airlines held its 10th Anniversary Grand Celebration ("Grand Celebration") to highlight the Company's corporate achievements and its contribution to Hong Kong aviation since its establishment. It also used the occasion to convey its gratitude to the Hong Kong government, business partners and the community for their support over the years.

Over 200 guests, including government officials and business leaders from overseas, the Mainland, and Hong Kong, joined the Grand Celebration. The Ceremony was officiated by Mr. C Y Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR; Mr. Lin Wu, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Mr. Hu Jianzhong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic in China in the Hong Kong SAR; Professor Anthony Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing; Mr. Mung Kin Keung, Co-Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines; Mr. Zhang Kui, Co-Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines; Mr. Tang King Shing, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines and Mr. Wang Liya, President of Hong Kong Airlines.

Mr. Wang Liya, Professor Anthony Cheung, Mr. Lin Wu, Mr. Mung Kin Keung, Mr. C Y Leung, Mr. Zhang Kui, Mr. Hu Jianzhong, Mr. Tang King Shing hosted the Take-off ceremony of Hong Kong Airlines 10th Anniversary Grand Celebration.
Mr. Wang Liya, Professor Anthony Cheung, Mr. Lin Wu, Mr. Mung Kin Keung, Mr. C Y Leung, Mr. Zhang Kui, Mr. Hu Jianzhong, Mr. Tang King Shing hosted the Take-off ceremony of Hong Kong Airlines 10th Anniversary Grand Celebration.

 

Toasting ceremony
Toasting ceremony

Mr. Joseph Lai Yee-tak, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport); Mr. Simon Li, Director-General of Civil Aviation; Mr. Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority; Dr. Peter Lam Kin-ngok, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; Mr. Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority: Mr. Xie Haoming, COO of HNA Tourism; and other honourable guests made a toast at the ceremony.

Mr. Zhang Kui, Co-chairman of Hong Kong Airlines said, "With its roots firmly in Hong Kong and a focus on the Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines strives to chart its future course and maintain its robust growth. As of today, Hong Kong Airlines has established a vast destination network covering over 30 major cities in the Asia Pacific. Our passenger traffic will reach a record high of 6.6 million, bringing our market share of Hong Kong airport to approximately 10%. This year marks the launch of 11 new destinations including Australia and New Zealand, which is a record-breaking achievement. Our effort has been recognised by the global travel industry and tourists alike. We have been awarded a four-star rating by Skytrax since 2011 and ranked third place in the "Best Regional Airline: Asia" category by Skytrax this year."

Speech by Mr. Zhang Kui, Co-Chairman, Hong Kong Airlines Limited
Speech by Mr. Zhang Kui, Co-Chairman, Hong Kong Airlines Limited

 

The Ceremony was officiated by Mr. C Y Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, who gave a speech at the ceremony.
The Ceremony was officiated by Mr. C Y Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, who gave a speech at the ceremony.

"Centred around the theme of 'Flying Beyond', we have launched an exciting array of marketing activities to celebrate Hong Kong Airlines' 10th anniversary. We will continue to fly our passengers to various parts of the world, as we embrace the next golden decade. In 2017, Hong Kong Airlines plans to continue growing its coverage in the Asia Pacific Region, while further extending its destination network to cover key cities in North America such as Vancouver. Our daily flight service to Vancouver will start from 30 June 2017 in support of our global development blueprint. As part of our fleet expansion, we will mark the arrival of our first A350 aircraft in August next year. Our new VIP lounge in the Midfield Concourse (MFC) at Hong Kong International Airport will be ready in the first quarter of 2017, offering upgraded premium services to more passengers. In addition, the Hong Kong Airlines Aviation Training Centre is slated for completion by the end of 2018, enabling us to nurture a new generation of aviation elite to spur the growth of the industry."

Design of business class seats of the new A350, which is expected to begin operation in August of 2017
Design of business class seats of the new A350, which is expected to begin operation in August of 2017

Leveraging strategic presence to accelerate global expansion

Since its establishment in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has experienced robust growth, as demonstrated by its continuous growth and outstanding business performance. As of late September 2016, total passenger volume over the past decade reached 26.5 million, translating to over 20% CAGR in passenger traffic.  Hong Kong Airlines has a vast destination network that currently covers 36 major cities in the Asia Pacific region. It has also signed 69 interline agreements and 11 codeshare agreements with airlines all over the world. The company has gradually expanded its operating fleet with a total of 34 aircraft. The average age of its fleet stands at just around four years, making it one of the youngest fleets in the world.

Capitalising on Hong Kong's prime location along the Maritime Silk Road and tapping the momentum of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, Hong Kong Airlines will continue to pursue major business opportunities.  It intends to step up its global market expansion by adding new destinations such as major cities in North America, and also continue to identify new routes to launch to untapped markets. These initiatives are set to meet the needs of China outbound passengers, particularly in the Pearl River Delta region. With the launch of the Seoul route this December, Hong Kong Airlines will have announced a total of 11 new destinations this year. This includes the Gold Coast – the sole direct flight from Pearl River Delta region – and Auckland.

Young, Innovative and Service-oriented "Flying Beyond" with our passengers

Hong Kong Airlines has been devoted to innovation, offering passengers quality and customised service which has been widely recognised by the market. Since 2011, Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded a four-star rating by Skytrax, and also received "Asia's Leading Inflight Service" at the globally renowned "World Travel Awards" in 2015.

As the first and major carrier to use the Midfield Concourse (MFC), Hong Kong Airlines has more than 90% of its departing and arriving flights using the MFC. Approximately 99% of passengers can board via aerobridges instead of taking shuttle buses, further improving the on-time performance (OTP). Hong Kong Airlines is slated to launch its new VIP lounge at the MFC, which will span about 1,350 square metres – double the size of its current "Club Bauhinia" VIP lounge. In 2015, Hong Kong Airlines launched the "Sweeten You Up" campaign and subsequently stepped up the same by offering newlyweds or couples celebrating their anniversaries, birthdays and child passengers the unique experience of an unforgettable and enjoyable journey with their beloved in the sky.

Design of the new VIP lounge at Midfield Concourse of Hong Kong International Airport which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2017
Design of the new VIP lounge at Midfield Concourse of Hong Kong International Airport which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2017

Hong Kong Airlines has launched a series of activities to celebrate its 10th anniversary and to show appreciation for the support of its passengers. This includes the 10th Anniversary Thankful Sale and Marvellous Journey Symphony that will feature HK$500,000 worth of free tickets to give away. From today, all passengers will receive a 10th anniversary edition boarding pass, while all child passengers (aged 2-11) will receive an extra box of a special edition flying chess. Hong Kong Airlines' latest brand promotional commercial "Flying Beyond", which was filmed at its various destinations such as Australia, Japan, China and Taiwan, will also premiere today. For more details and updated news about Hong Kong Airlines' 10th anniversary celebration events and promotions, please visit the 10th anniversary website (http://www.HKAirlines10th.com) and follow the official Hong Kong Airlines Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkairlines).

A key contributor to society, rooted in Hong Kong

In recent years, Hong Kong Airlines has made several strategic moves, such as building the Hong Kong Airlines Aviation Training Centre (HKAATC), expanding its route network and customer base, as well as promoting communications between China and Hong Kong. These moves underscore Hong Kong Airlines' commitment to society as a leader in the competitive local aviation industry, contributing to society and its home city's stability and prosperity.

The HKAATC broke ground in March 2016, costing approximately HK$1.8 billion in funding by the Company. It will be equipped with 12 full flight simulators and advanced facilities and systems, as well as a variety of aviation services and related training facilities. The HKAATC will groom the next generation of aviation elite, and provide more opportunities for Hong Kong aviation talents to undertake training and exchange programmes with their Mainland counterparts, and to enhance the development of the local aviation industry.

Hong Kong Airlines is also active in running a variety of educational programmes to nurture interest in aviation among the next generation of young professionals. Since 2014, Hong Kong Airlines has supported the "Embrace the World" Student Sponsorship Programme, offering 1,000 tickets to schools and welfare organisations every year. This recognises students and youngsters who are outstanding in their studies and other fields, and supports their personal growth and development. The "Triumph Sky High" Junior Programme is a recurring initiative to equip students with aviation knowledge, with the aim to cultivate their interest in the industry through field visits to Hong Kong Airlines' aircraft and airport facilities. To date, more than 600 local students have participated in this unique experience, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive response from schools and parents.

About Hong Kong Airlines

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. It has grown remarkably in just ten years with a wide destination network covering 36 major cities across the Asia Pacific region, including Gold Coast, Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Sapporo, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. The Company has also signed codeshare agreements with 11 airlines and 69 interline partners. The current operating fleet is made up of 34 Airbus aircraft, consisting of 29 passenger aircraft and 5 freighters. With an average age of around 4 years, Hong Kong Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Hong Kong Airlines has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. It was also the winner for Asia's Leading Inflight Service in World Travel Awards 2015.

For more information, please visit:

Official website: www.hkairlines.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hkairlines 
Sina Weibo: weibo.com/hongkongairlines
WeChat and Instagram ID: hkairlines
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-airlines

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Source: Hong Kong Airlines Limited
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