Shenzhen mogul to launch airline

Businessman Bill Wong Cho-bau plans to launch an airline flying short routes between China and Southeast Asia, despite tough times for the aviation industry.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference member - who is also know as the "Shenzhen Li Ka-shing" - has named the airline Greater Bay Airlines on July 8, after the Greater Bay Area.

The company was originally named Donghai Airlines when it was establishment in 2010. Early last year, it was rebranded as Donghai Airlines (Hong Kong), before its name was again changed to Hong Kong Bauhinia Airlines in December.

The group hopes to obtain an Air Operator's Certificate but Wong emphasized that the plan has yet to be officially executed.

Former management members for Hong Kong Airlines, including Stanley Hui Hon-Chung, are reported to be joining the company.

All shareholdings for Greater Bay Airlines are owned by East Pacific. East Pacific has three directors, including Wong.