HK Express hailed as 'fastest-growing airline'

Wallis Wang

Local budget airline HK Express has been named the "fastest-growing airline of 2024" by a travel platform after recording an over 40 percent year-on-year increase in passenger numbers.

In a statement yesterday, HK Express said its rapid growth helped it garner a reputation in the aviation industry as OAG - a global travel data provider headquartered in Luton, England - recognized it as the fastest-growing airline of 2024.

According to OAG's air travel statistics, the airline increased its number of flights by 46 percent from 23,940 in 2023 to 35,015 last year.

HK Express also said it welcomed its six millionth passenger on New Year's Eve, indicating that the airline has "achieved a historic high for the total passengers carried in a single year."

That passenger, Ms Wan, who traveled to Fukuoka, Japan, was greeted by airline management at the Hong Kong International Airport gate before boarding.

She received six round-trip tickets as a gift, which she can use to travel to any of the airline's over 30 destinations in this year.

"I never thought I would be this lucky! I will plan next year's travel itinerary with my family. I prefer natural scenery, so I will likely explore different destinations in Japan," Wan said.

HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao Jie-qiong said the airline has expanded its network of destinations, fleet and team last year.

"Not only have we achieved the milestone of surpassing six million passengers in a single year, but we have also been recognized by the industry as the fastest-growing airline globally," Mao said. "As Hong Kong's only low-cost airline, we will continue to offer affordable fares and introduce exciting new destinations, enabling travelers to embrace the freedom to travel anytime, anywhere."

She added the airline will contribute to Hong Kong's aviation and tourism sectors to enhance the city's status as an international aviation hub.

The airline's announcement came after parent company Cathay Group said it carried more than 100,000 passengers in a single day on December 15.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan yesterday congratulated local airlines for achieving travel peaks after the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said the development of local airlines will consolidate Hong Kong's reputation as an aviation hub while offering various aviation products to local travelers as well as those from the Greater Bay Area.

Chan added that the SAR will explore more flight destinations and enhance its transport network with the airport's three-runway system coming into use.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com