Budget carrier offers new route to Shizuoka

Stacy Shi

Low-cost carrier HK Express has experienced significant growth this year, announcing 10 new routes, including its 11th in Japan - Shizuoka - to celebrate its 11th anniversary, chief executive officer Jeanette Mao Jie-qiong said.

Starting December 17, HK Express will offer three weekly flights to Shizuoka, marking the first direct service from Hong Kong to the destination.

"By then, we will have a total of 150 pairs of flights per week between Hong Kong and Japan," Mao said.

Tickets for the new route went on sale at 6pm yesterday, with prices starting at HK$110, excluding taxes.

"We have now announced over 30 destinations across our network, with more than 400 pairs of flights per week between Hong Kong and various locations in Asia," Mao said.

Regarding expansion into the mainland, especially the Greater Bay Area, Mao said the airline is exploring potential second- and third-tier cities as new destinations.

In the first nine months of this year, the number of flights operated has surged by over 50 percent compared to the previous year, reaching approximately 1.6 times prepandemic levels.

The airline also saw a 55 percent increase in passenger numbers during the same period, expecting to reach a total of six million by the end of the year.

Also, bookings for the Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays have risen by 30 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong demand for leisure and short-haul travel.

Mao indicated that the fleet is expected to grow to 40 aircraft by the end of this month, while the first batch of 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft is set to be delivered within the next year, followed by a second batch of 17 A320neo aircraft between 2027 and 2029.

On manpower, Mao reported the airline has achieved 90 percent of its target to recruit 500 new cabin crew and pilots this year, having already hired nearly 450 new crew members.

The airline currently employs over 400 pilots and close to 700 cabin crew, with more than 15 percent from mainland China and nearly 20 percent from other Asian countries.

In related news, Cathay Pacific announced a discretionary bonus equivalent to one month's qualifying salary for its Hong Kong-based staff on January 7 next year, recognizing the company's positive progress this year.