Hong Kong Airlines announces expansion with new Vancouver route

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Hong Kong Airlines announces expansion with new Vancouver route

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Nov 26, 2024

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.

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In preparation for further growth, Hong Kong Airlines has recruited over 600 new staff this year. The workforce includes 300 pilots and 900 cabin crew members, with plans for a significant increase in ground handlers and technical staff numbers.

Additionally, the airline is boosting frequencies on certain routes during December due to high demand during the holiday season and will launch a new route to Sendai on December 18. Plans also include resuming flights to Gold Coast starting January 17, 2025.

Future expansions may see Hong Kong Airlines exploring routes to various U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle next year. Chairman Yan Bo mentioned intentions for developing full-service operations with potential American routes under consideration.

Despite interest in acquiring Boeing 787s for long-haul operations, no progress has been made so far; thus, the Vancouver route will utilize existing Airbus widebodies.