C919 may be on horizon for HK Airlines in return to long-haul flights

Ayra Wang

Hong Kong Airlines could add a mainland-made C919 airliner to its fleet as it restores its status as a long-haul international routes operator.

"After the structural reorganization last year, the company has actively improved services, expanded business and now covers more than 30 destinations through strategic planning," chairman Yan Bo said.

The airline announced in August that it would resume the direct route between Hong Kong and Gold Coast, Australia, seasonally from January 17 to February 15 next year, providing four round-trip flights every week during the Lunar New Year period.

The route to Vancouver will resume from January 18 with two round-trip flights per week.

The airline has purchased an Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft and A321 extended-length passenger aircraft with 220 all-economy class seats.

"We are also negotiating with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China to purchase a C919 but we will choose whichever aircraft is more suitable," Yan said, referring to the narrow-body airliner developed by Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac.

He expects a total of 30 passenger flights by the end of the year and is confident passenger capacity will meet travel demand in the coming Christmas and New Year holidays.

"Bookings for the Christmas and Lunar New Year period have already reached 85 percent. Those for ski resorts in Northeast Asia have reached 90 percent," Yan said.

He also expects the airline to reach its annual traffic target of more than five million passengers by the end of the year.

Yan said he is positive about the company's business performance next year as the three-runway system that will commence service on November 28 will increase the passenger capacity of Hong Kong International Airport.

"The airline will utilize the 'airport city' infrastructure to deepen cooperation with cities in the Greater Bay Area as well as enhance connections with the international market, including Belt and Road countries," Yan said.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com