Hong Kong Airlines is gearing up to expand its flight network with new services to Urumqi in western China starting this August and plans to launch flights to Melbourne later this year. This growth follows an impressive turnaround after overcoming a severe debt crisis three years ago, with passenger numbers soaring by 60 percent year-on-year in 2024.
In an exclusive interview with the Post, airline president Jeff Sun Jianfeng highlighted that the carrier returned to profitability in 2023, following Hong Kong’s reopening to international travel after the Covid-19 pandemic. Passenger traffic reached 5 million last year, marking a significant recovery compared to 2023.
“Before the pandemic, Hong Kong Airlines was performing well, enjoying strong brand recognition among travelers,” Sun said. “The pandemic forced us to undergo major restructuring, but we have now successfully bounced back and are actively expanding our global network.”
The airline has resumed flights to over 30 destinations across North America, Oceania, and Asia, including key cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, and Shanghai. This compares to 34 destinations served before the pandemic in 2020.
Sun also confirmed that Hong Kong Airlines operates a fleet of 30 Airbus aircraft and has stabilized financially after completing restructuring in April 2023, supported by new investors. The parent company, HNA Group, had faced bankruptcy amid Chinese government crackdowns on overseas asset acquisitions, which had severely affected the airline.
In December 2022, Hong Kong’s High Court approved a HK$49 billion (US$6.2 billion) debt restructuring plan to secure the airline’s future. New investors include Liaoning Fangda Group, which controls Hainan Airlines Holding.
With a vision to become “Hongkongers’ best-loved airline,” Hong Kong Airlines has introduced innovative services such as Hong Kong’s first home-based pet-in-cabin offering launched in February. Further initiatives are planned to enhance passenger experience.
Looking ahead, Sun revealed plans to add flights to Urumqi, targeting three to four weekly departures from August, and confirmed Melbourne’s air traffic rights have been secured, with service details forthcoming. The airline is also considering routes to Yunnan province amid growing demand and monitoring US-China relations closely before expanding further into America.
“Our focus is on continually improving operational and service quality to provide passengers with a reliable, high-standard travel experience,” said Sun.
The carrier currently employs over 1,000 crew members, with 68 percent based in Hong Kong, and is exploring fleet expansion to support growth. A new rebranding campaign is expected soon.
Having restored full pre-pandemic capacity, Hong Kong Airlines maintains an average passenger load factor of around 85 percent, reflecting strong seat occupancy.
The airline reentered the long-haul market in January as a full-service carrier, restarting flights between Hong Kong and the Gold Coast, followed by Vancouver and Sydney this year. Founded in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines competes directly with Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget subsidiary, HK Express.
Recent service upgrades include increased baggage allowances—23 kg for economy and 64 kg for business class passengers—and the introduction of the “Taste of Hong Kong” in-flight dining program for all classes.
With these advancements, Hong Kong Airlines is poised for sustained growth and strengthened market presence in the competitive aviation sector.
