Hong Kong Airlines is making a significant move to expand its international reach by launching direct flights from Hong Kong International Airport to Vancouver International Airport. The service, set to begin on January 18, marks the airline's shift from being a regional carrier towards becoming an international competitor, particularly against Cathay Pacific.
The airline's decision aligns with its strategy of expanding its global route network as the economic recovery progresses. This transformation aims at optimizing routes and adjusting fleet structures, which currently cover over 30 destinations. Flights to Vancouver will operate twice weekly using Airbus A330s.
The current market between Hong Kong and Vancouver already sees multiple daily flights operated by Cathay Pacific and Air Canada. According to Simple Flying Route Analyst Dr. James Pearson, 248,000 roundtrip passengers traveled between these cities in the year ending July 2024.