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

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.