Hong Kong Airlines' first flight to Los Angeles takes off; debuts new tableware

HONG KONG, Dec. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Airlines commenced its new service to Los Angeles on December 18, further cementing its growing presence in North America, following the launch of a daily service to Vancouver earlier this year. Los Angeles also becomes the carrier's first destination in the Continental United States, with San Francisco and New York to follow in 2018.

Officiating guests at Hong Kong Airlines' inaugural LA flight event

Prior to the departure of the fully booked HX068 flight, Hong Kong Airlines held a celebratory event at Hong Kong International Airport to commemorate the official launch of the new route, which was officiated by Mr Chan Fan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Housing of HKSAR.

Hong Kong Airlines' new service is operated by the Airbus A350, which is equipped with various modern amenities designed to enhance the passenger experience. This includes inflight WiFi -- of which the first 15 minutes are available free to all passengers -- as well as a brand new inflight entertainment system, which boasts an expanded catalogue of over 100 entertainment content including the latest movies and TV programmes, as well as live broadcasts of CNN, BBC World News and Sport24. 

The launch of HX068 also marks the introduction of the A350 in the US city. With three already delivered and a further 18 on order, the A350 is poised to become the backbone of Hong Kong Airlines' long-haul fleet.

"The launch of our new service to Los Angeles represents another step of our transition from a regional carrier to a global airline," said Mr Tang King Shing, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines. "As a popular destination for both leisure and business travel, Los Angeles is also one of the most substantial economic engines within the United States. We are delighted to offer our customers more travel options for flights into Los Angeles."

Passengers celebrating inaugural LA flight at gate

Meanwhile, passengers travelling on Hong Kong Airlines' inaugural Hong Kong to Los Angeles flight will also be the first to dine from a series of newly designed tableware, consisting of chinaware, glassware, and cutlery.

Hong Kong Airlines has partnered with award-winning, local homeware design brand JIA Inc. ("JIA") and inflight experience specialists CLIP to develop a new selection of exclusive Business Class tableware that showcases the city's unique heritage and culture.

Hong Kong Airlines' new Business Class tableware

Working with international designers, JIA looks to infuse traditional Chinese dining habits with modern accessibility -- in doing so, creating new interpretations through design that are a marriage of Eastern and Western elements.

"The design of Hong Kong Airlines' new tableware are inspired by the Bauhinia x blakeana (Bauhinia flower) -- seen on Hong Kong Airlines' logo and also the flora emblem of Hong Kong," said JIA founders Mr and Mrs Christopher and Kay Lin.  

"For example, the bowl and appetiser plate resemble the shape of the Bauhinia flower's petal, while the design of the red butter dish was inspired by the shape of seeds."

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