Hong Kong Airlines plans new direct service between Hong Kong and Melbourne

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Hong Kong Airlines plans new direct service between Hong Kong and Melbourne

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Jeff Sun President of Hong Kong Airlines | LinkedIn

By Sky Industry News

Jun 11, 2025

Hong Kong Airlines is preparing to introduce a direct service between Hong Kong and Melbourne, Australia. This move introduces competition on the route, which is currently dominated by Qantas and Cathay Pacific. The airline has secured traffic rights for the new route and plans to announce additional schedule details later this year.

This development follows Hong Kong Airlines' recent debut at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, as part of its expansion strategy in Australia due to increased bilateral air traffic rights. The new service to Melbourne will be operated using Airbus A330 aircraft, configured with two classes and capable of carrying between 285 and 303 passengers.

Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, hinted at potential fleet expansion to support ongoing international growth. The airline already operates long-haul routes from Hong Kong to Sydney and Vancouver, with seasonal services to the Gold Coast and Male. "Overall, we are seeking to be Hongkongers’ best-loved airline, with our operational quality and service quality being constantly improved," Sun stated.

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Founded in 2006 as an alternative to Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines is a subsidiary of HNA Group, China's fourth-largest aviation group. The carrier offers modest amenities onboard its A330s but provides lie-flat seats in business class.

The introduction of this service marks the first time a new international carrier has joined the Melbourne-Hong Kong route since Virgin Australia's brief operation from 2018-2020. Australians participating in the Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer program can benefit from perks on HX flights such as priority boarding and additional baggage allowances; however, lounge access and points redemption are not included.

The expected flight duration for Hong Kong Airlines' direct service will be approximately nine hours southbound and nine hours 20 minutes northbound.

Upon commencement, this will make Melbourne Airport's tenth airline offering direct services from China or Hong Kong. Other airlines serving this corridor include Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines (seasonal), Hainan Airlines, Qantas Airways Limited (QF), Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu-Tianfu), and XiamenAir.