CR Airways
Encyclopedia
Hong Kong Airlines Ltd formerly CR Airways Limited , is a Hong Kong
-based airline
, with its main hub and corporate head office at Hong Kong International Airport
. The airline operates scheduled regional passenger and cargo services to 10 destinations within the People's Republic of China
and Vietnam
, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways
.
The airline was founded as CR Airways by Robert Yip on 28 March 2001 and began helicopter passenger charter operations with a Sikorsky S-76C+
helicopter. It was Hong Kong's first helicopter operator to receive an Air Operator's Certificate
since the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established. Mainland Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines
and Mr Mung Kin Keung took over the airline in 2006 by acquiring a 45 percent and 55 percent holdings in the airline, respectively. The airline officially changed its name to Hong Kong Airlines Limited on 28 November 2006 and introduced a new logo representing a bauhinia
flower, a Hong Kong native flower.
and property development; established CR Airways in Hong Kong
on 28 March 2001. The airline received its Air Operator's Certificate
(AOC) from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department
(CAD) with a 285 kilometres per hour (177.1 mph) 12 passenger Sikorsky S-76C+
helicopter in early 2002. It was Hong Kong
's third commercial helicopter operator and the first helicopter operator to receive an AOC since Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China
.
On 27 June 2003, CR Airways became Hong Kong's third passenger airline after receiving a revised AOC from the Director of Civil Aviation Albert Lam and operated its first passenger flight on the next day. It started passenger charter operations to Laoag, Philippines
on 5 July 2003, with a Bombardier CRJ200
leased from GE Capital Aviation Services. In September 2003, the airline applied for traffic rights to operate scheduled passenger services to Laoag and Chinese cities of Jinan
, Naning
, Meixian and Wenzhou
. In addition, Robert Yip sold 40 percent of the airline to his company, China Rich Holdings, for HK$180 million
. By March 2004, the airline had added Siem Reap
, Cambodia
to its charter network.
In April 2005, the Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) granted a five-year licence to transport passengers, cargo and mail to China; the airline was free to apply for traffic rights to 10 cities in China. On 5 July 2005, the airline announced the purchase of two Bombardier CRJ700
s from Danish
carrier Maersk Air
, scheduled to arrive in July and mid-August, respectively. In addition, the airline had signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with Boeing
for the purchase of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 737–800
s on 20 December 2005 at a listed price of US$3.28 billion
. An executive of the airline had told reporters that some of the Boeing aircraft was from Hainan Airlines
' order.
On 27 June 2006, Hainan Airlines purchased a 45 percent holdings of the airline and the holdings would be transferred to Grand China Air
, a new holding company of Hainan Airlines. Two months later, Mr Mung Kin Keung acquired the remaining 55 percent of the airline and became the controlling shareholder on 7 August; and its director on 13 August. On 22 September 2006, CR Airways Limited officially changed its name to Hong Kong Airlines Limited and a launch ceremony took place on 28 November. The airline also introduced a new logo, which represents a bauhinia
flower, the symbol of Hong Kong where the airline is anchored. The new logo also represents the close relationship between the airline and Hong Kong and its new era in the civil aviation industry. The airline made the biggest aircraft order in its young history on 21 June 2007, by ordering 51 narrow
- and wide-body aircraft
from Europe
an plane maker, Airbus
, at an estimated value of US$5.6 billion. The airline's IATA code was changed from N8 to HX on 27 May 2007.
On 24 October 2008, the airline announced plans in preparation for the arrival of the Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, which included personnel and fleet composition. The new aircraft will provide medium haul passenger and cargo services to the Middle East
and Australia
.
On 8 June 2010, Hong Kong Airlines successfully completed their proving flight from Hong Kong to Beijing and return earning their Air Operating's Certificate for the Airbus A330 operations from HKCAD. Captain Mikey Ng(Malaysian) and Captain Nejad(Iranian) were the first 2 commanders flying the A330-200 for the airline.
On 28 June 2010, schedule flight to Moscow was successfully launched.
Cellphone usage on Hong Kong Airlines flights will soon be allowed between 2009–2010. The service is stated to be provided by OnAir.
On 22 October 2010, Hong Kong Airlines officially joined the IATA.
On 9 November 2011, Hong Kong Airlines is launching Daily Hong Kong – London Gatwick service from 8 March 2012, with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The A330-200 aircraft on this route will be operating as an all Club Class service, featuring 34 “Club Premier” (lie flat business class suites) and 82 “Club Classic” (cradle style recliner business class) seats.
All passenger aircraft are equipped with video broadcasting system with 20 9 inches (22.9 cm)-wide ceiling- or wall-mounted liquid crystal display
(LCD) monitors, with two in Business Class and 18 in Economy Class.
(MOU) with Boeing
to acquire 30 Boeing 737–800 aircraft and 10 Boeing 787 aircraft. However, according to the airline's website, there is only a firm order of four Boeing 737–800 aircraft, with no mention of a firm order for the Boeing 787 aircraft.
On 21 June 2007, the airline signed an MOU with Airbus
to acquire 30 Airbus A320s, 20 Airbus A330-200s powered by Rolls-Royce Trent
700 engines and one Airbus Corporate Jet. The order was subsequently confirmed with the signing of a firm contract with Airbus on 12 September 2007; and it will be shared between the airline and its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways
. In December 2008, three of the original order for 20 A330-200s were converted to A330-300s and transferred to Hong Kong International Aviation Leasing. They will be operated by Hong Kong Airlines.
On 4 February 2010, Airbus
announced another MoU signed with Hong Kong Airlines to acquire 6 more Airbus A330-200
s. These will have Pratt & Whitney
PW4000 engines and were originally ordered by Grupo Marsans
. At the same time, one of the A330-243s on order was converted to a −343.
At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2010, Airbus announced that Hong Kong Airlines had signed a MoU to convert orders for 15 A330s to A350
s and place an additional order for 10 A330-200s. No engine selection for the additional A330s was announced.
At the Paris Air Show in June 2011,Hong Kong Airlines had announced a signed contract for 10 airbus A380's however due to China's anger with the European Union over plans to force all airlines to take part in its carbon-trading scheme,the Chinese government has blocked progress on Airbus’s sale of 10 A380s to Hong Kong Airlines.
in Lantau, Hong Kong
.
, Grand China Express, Hainan Airlines
, Hong Kong Express Airways
, Lucky Air
and West Air. Membership benefits include air ticket redemption and upgrade; VIP members have additional privileges of dedicated First
or Business Class
check in counters, lounge access, bonus mileage and extra baggage allowance.
.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
-based airline
Airline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
, with its main hub and corporate head office at Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
. The airline operates scheduled regional passenger and cargo services to 10 destinations within the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
and Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways Limited , is an airline based in Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 19 destinations in seven countries across Asia, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Airlines...
.
The airline was founded as CR Airways by Robert Yip on 28 March 2001 and began helicopter passenger charter operations with a Sikorsky S-76C+
Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter. The S-76 is powered by two turboshaft engines, which drive both the main and tail rotors, each with four blades...
helicopter. It was Hong Kong's first helicopter operator to receive an Air Operator's Certificate
Air Operator's Certificate
An air operator's certificate is the approval granted from a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and system in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public...
since the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established. Mainland Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines Company Limited is an airline headquartered in the HNA Development Building in Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China. It is the largest privately-owned air transport company and the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China...
and Mr Mung Kin Keung took over the airline in 2006 by acquiring a 45 percent and 55 percent holdings in the airline, respectively. The airline officially changed its name to Hong Kong Airlines Limited on 28 November 2006 and introduced a new logo representing a bauhinia
Bauhinia blakeana
Bauhinia blakeana is an orchid tree of the genus Bauhinia with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually across, and bloom from early November to the end of March...
flower, a Hong Kong native flower.
History
Robert Yip, the chairman of China Rich Holdings, with business interests in Chinese medicine, internet portal, constructionConstruction
In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, construction is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking...
and property development; established CR Airways in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
on 28 March 2001. The airline received its Air Operator's Certificate
Air Operator's Certificate
An air operator's certificate is the approval granted from a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and system in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public...
(AOC) from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department
Civil Aviation Department (Hong Kong)
The Civil Aviation Department is the Civil aviation authority of Hong Kong, headquartered in the Queensway Government Offices . The department is responsible for providing air traffic control services to all aircraft operating within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region. It reports to the...
(CAD) with a 285 kilometres per hour (177.1 mph) 12 passenger Sikorsky S-76C+
Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter. The S-76 is powered by two turboshaft engines, which drive both the main and tail rotors, each with four blades...
helicopter in early 2002. It was Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
's third commercial helicopter operator and the first helicopter operator to receive an AOC since Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
.
On 27 June 2003, CR Airways became Hong Kong's third passenger airline after receiving a revised AOC from the Director of Civil Aviation Albert Lam and operated its first passenger flight on the next day. It started passenger charter operations to Laoag, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
on 5 July 2003, with a Bombardier CRJ200
Bombardier CRJ200
The Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 are a family of regional airliner manufactured by Bombardier, and based on the Canadair Challenger business jet.-Development:...
leased from GE Capital Aviation Services. In September 2003, the airline applied for traffic rights to operate scheduled passenger services to Laoag and Chinese cities of Jinan
Jinan
Jinan is the capital of Shandong province in Eastern China. The area of present-day Jinan has played an important role in the history of the region from the earliest beginnings of civilisation and has evolved into a major national administrative, economic, and transportation hub...
, Naning
Naning
Naning is an area in modern day Malacca, Malaysia and was founded in 1641. Naning was previously part of Negeri Sembilan but it was later annexed by the British into Malacca in 1832 via the Naning War. Malacca at that time was a British holding....
, Meixian and Wenzhou
Wenzhou
Wenzhou is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China. The area under its jurisdiction, which includes two satellite cities and six counties, had a population of 9,122,100 as of 2010....
. In addition, Robert Yip sold 40 percent of the airline to his company, China Rich Holdings, for HK$180 million
Million
One million or one thousand thousand, is the natural number following 999,999 and preceding 1,000,001. The word is derived from the early Italian millione , from mille, "thousand", plus the augmentative suffix -one.In scientific notation, it is written as or just 106...
. By March 2004, the airline had added Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia, and is the gateway to Angkor region.Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market...
, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
to its charter network.
In April 2005, the Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) granted a five-year licence to transport passengers, cargo and mail to China; the airline was free to apply for traffic rights to 10 cities in China. On 5 July 2005, the airline announced the purchase of two Bombardier CRJ700
Bombardier CRJ700
The Bombardier CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000 are regional airliners based on the Bombardier CRJ200. Final assembly of the aircraft is at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport in Mirabel, Quebec, outside Montreal, Canada.-Development:...
s from Danish
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
carrier Maersk Air
Maersk Air
Maersk Air was a Danish low-fare airline, based in Dragør, Dragør Municipality; Maersk was part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. It operated from 1969 to 2005, when it was bought by Icelandic investment group Fons Eignarhaldsfélag and subsequently merged with their other Danish acquisition the same...
, scheduled to arrive in July and mid-August, respectively. In addition, the airline had signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in...
with Boeing
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Boeing Commercial Airplanes designs, assembles, markets and sells large commercial jet aircraft and provides product-related maintenance and training to customers worldwide...
for the purchase of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 737–800
Boeing 737 Next Generation
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners...
s on 20 December 2005 at a listed price of US$3.28 billion
1000000000 (number)
1,000,000,000 is the natural number following 999,999,999 and preceding 1,000,000,001.In scientific notation, it is written as 109....
. An executive of the airline had told reporters that some of the Boeing aircraft was from Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines Company Limited is an airline headquartered in the HNA Development Building in Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China. It is the largest privately-owned air transport company and the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China...
' order.
On 27 June 2006, Hainan Airlines purchased a 45 percent holdings of the airline and the holdings would be transferred to Grand China Air
Grand China Air
Grand China Air is a Chinese airline based at Haikou Meilan International Airport.Grand China Air is managed under a parent company called Grand China Airlines Holding Company which is held jointly by Hainan province government , George Soros , and the HNA group .-History:Grand China Air was...
, a new holding company of Hainan Airlines. Two months later, Mr Mung Kin Keung acquired the remaining 55 percent of the airline and became the controlling shareholder on 7 August; and its director on 13 August. On 22 September 2006, CR Airways Limited officially changed its name to Hong Kong Airlines Limited and a launch ceremony took place on 28 November. The airline also introduced a new logo, which represents a bauhinia
Bauhinia
Bauhinia is a genus of more than 200 species of flowering plants in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the large flowering plant family Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. The genus was named after the Bauhin brothers, Swiss-French botanists....
flower, the symbol of Hong Kong where the airline is anchored. The new logo also represents the close relationship between the airline and Hong Kong and its new era in the civil aviation industry. The airline made the biggest aircraft order in its young history on 21 June 2007, by ordering 51 narrow
Narrow-body aircraft
A narrow-body aircraft is an airliner with a fuselage aircraft cabin width typically of 3 to 4 metres , and airline seat arranged 2 to 6 abreast along a single aisle...
- and wide-body aircraft
Wide-body aircraft
A wide-body aircraft is a large airliner with two passenger aisles, also known as a widebody aircraft or twin-aisle aircraft. The typical fuselage diameter is . In the typical wide-body economy cabin, passengers are seated seven to ten abreast, allowing a total capacity of 200 to 850 passengers...
from Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an plane maker, Airbus
Airbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
, at an estimated value of US$5.6 billion. The airline's IATA code was changed from N8 to HX on 27 May 2007.
On 24 October 2008, the airline announced plans in preparation for the arrival of the Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, which included personnel and fleet composition. The new aircraft will provide medium haul passenger and cargo services to the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
On 8 June 2010, Hong Kong Airlines successfully completed their proving flight from Hong Kong to Beijing and return earning their Air Operating's Certificate for the Airbus A330 operations from HKCAD. Captain Mikey Ng(Malaysian) and Captain Nejad(Iranian) were the first 2 commanders flying the A330-200 for the airline.
On 28 June 2010, schedule flight to Moscow was successfully launched.
Cellphone usage on Hong Kong Airlines flights will soon be allowed between 2009–2010. The service is stated to be provided by OnAir.
On 22 October 2010, Hong Kong Airlines officially joined the IATA.
On 9 November 2011, Hong Kong Airlines is launching Daily Hong Kong – London Gatwick service from 8 March 2012, with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The A330-200 aircraft on this route will be operating as an all Club Class service, featuring 34 “Club Premier” (lie flat business class suites) and 82 “Club Classic” (cradle style recliner business class) seats.
Codeshare agreements
Hong Kong Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines (at July 2011):- Hong Kong Express – Guilin, Guiyang, Haikou, Hanoi, Hangzhou, Nanning, Sanya.
- Tianjin Airlines - Tianjin
- Hainan AirlinesHainan AirlinesHainan Airlines Company Limited is an airline headquartered in the HNA Development Building in Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China. It is the largest privately-owned air transport company and the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China...
Fleet
As of July 2011, the Hong Kong Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft with an average age of 4.9 years:| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Y | Total | ||||
| Airbus A320-200 Airbus A320 family The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001... |
||||||
| Airbus A330-200 Airbus A330 The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo.... |
6 | |||||
| Airbus A330-300 Airbus A330 The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo.... |
To enter service in 2011 | |||||
| Airbus A350-900 | To enter service in 2018 | |||||
| Airbus A380-800 | To enter service in 2013 | |||||
| Boeing 737–800 | 5 leased to Hong Kong Express Airways Hong Kong Express Airways Hong Kong Express Airways Limited , is an airline based in Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 19 destinations in seven countries across Asia, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Airlines... |
|||||
| Boeing 787–8 | VIP Configuration | |||||
| Boeing 787–9 | ||||||
| Hong Kong Airlines Cargo Fleet | ||||||
| Airbus A330-200F | 3 | |||||
| Boeing 737-300F Boeing 737 Classic The Boeing 737 Classic is the name given to the -300/-400/-500 series of the Boeing 737 following the introduction of the -600/-700/-800/-900 series. They are short- to medium- range, narrow-body jet airliners produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The Classic series was introduced as the 'new... |
1 To Yangtze River Express Yangtze River Express Yangtze River Express is a cargo airline based in the People's Republic of China.-History:... |
|||||
| Boeing 777F Boeing 777 The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven". The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from , depending on model... |
6 | |||||
| Total | 14 | 101 | ||||
All passenger aircraft are equipped with video broadcasting system with 20 9 inches (22.9 cm)-wide ceiling- or wall-mounted liquid crystal display
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is a flat panel display, electronic visual display, or video display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals . LCs do not emit light directly....
(LCD) monitors, with two in Business Class and 18 in Economy Class.
Aircraft orders
On 20 December 2005, the airline signed a Memorandum of UnderstandingMemorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in...
(MOU) with Boeing
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Boeing Commercial Airplanes designs, assembles, markets and sells large commercial jet aircraft and provides product-related maintenance and training to customers worldwide...
to acquire 30 Boeing 737–800 aircraft and 10 Boeing 787 aircraft. However, according to the airline's website, there is only a firm order of four Boeing 737–800 aircraft, with no mention of a firm order for the Boeing 787 aircraft.
On 21 June 2007, the airline signed an MOU with Airbus
Airbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
to acquire 30 Airbus A320s, 20 Airbus A330-200s powered by Rolls-Royce Trent
Rolls-Royce Trent
Rolls-Royce Trent is the name given to a family of high bypass turbofan aircraft engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce plc. All are developments of the RB211 with thrust ratings of . Versions of the Trent are in service on the Airbus A330, A340, A380, Boeing 777, and 787, and variants are in...
700 engines and one Airbus Corporate Jet. The order was subsequently confirmed with the signing of a firm contract with Airbus on 12 September 2007; and it will be shared between the airline and its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways Limited , is an airline based in Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 19 destinations in seven countries across Asia, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Airlines...
. In December 2008, three of the original order for 20 A330-200s were converted to A330-300s and transferred to Hong Kong International Aviation Leasing. They will be operated by Hong Kong Airlines.
On 4 February 2010, Airbus
Airbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
announced another MoU signed with Hong Kong Airlines to acquire 6 more Airbus A330-200
Airbus A330
The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo....
s. These will have Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer with global service operations. It is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation . Pratt & Whitney's aircraft engines are widely used in both civil aviation and military aviation. Its headquarters are in East Hartford, Connecticut, USA...
PW4000 engines and were originally ordered by Grupo Marsans
Grupo Marsans
Grupo Marsans was an private Spanish consortium mainly dedicated to tour operations. It had operations in Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina, as well as representations in Latin America. The company was founded in 1910 and was based in Madrid, Spain...
. At the same time, one of the A330-243s on order was converted to a −343.
At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2010, Airbus announced that Hong Kong Airlines had signed a MoU to convert orders for 15 A330s to A350
Airbus A350
The Airbus A350 is a family of long-range, wide-body jet airliners under development by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.A consortium originally comprising European aerospace companies from the UK, France, Spain and West Germany, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known...
s and place an additional order for 10 A330-200s. No engine selection for the additional A330s was announced.
At the Paris Air Show in June 2011,Hong Kong Airlines had announced a signed contract for 10 airbus A380's however due to China's anger with the European Union over plans to force all airlines to take part in its carbon-trading scheme,the Chinese government has blocked progress on Airbus’s sale of 10 A380s to Hong Kong Airlines.
Retired
Aircraft that have been in service with Hong Kong Airlines are:- Sikorsky S-76C+Sikorsky S-76The Sikorsky S-76 is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter. The S-76 is powered by two turboshaft engines, which drive both the main and tail rotors, each with four blades...
helicopter - Bombardier CRJ200Bombardier CRJ200The Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 are a family of regional airliner manufactured by Bombardier, and based on the Canadair Challenger business jet.-Development:...
- Bombardier CRJ700Bombardier CRJ700The Bombardier CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000 are regional airliners based on the Bombardier CRJ200. Final assembly of the aircraft is at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport in Mirabel, Quebec, outside Montreal, Canada.-Development:...
Corporate affairs
The airline's head office is on Level 2 of the CNAC House (中航大廈, Cantonese: jung1 hong4 daai6 ha6, Mandarin: Zhōngháng Dàshà) on the property of Hong Kong International AirportHong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
in Lantau, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
Loyalty programmes
The Fortune Wings Club is the loyalty programme for Hong Kong Airlines and its sister airlines, including Grand China AirGrand China Air
Grand China Air is a Chinese airline based at Haikou Meilan International Airport.Grand China Air is managed under a parent company called Grand China Airlines Holding Company which is held jointly by Hainan province government , George Soros , and the HNA group .-History:Grand China Air was...
, Grand China Express, Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines Company Limited is an airline headquartered in the HNA Development Building in Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China. It is the largest privately-owned air transport company and the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China...
, Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways
Hong Kong Express Airways Limited , is an airline based in Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 19 destinations in seven countries across Asia, including codeshares with its sister airline, Hong Kong Airlines...
, Lucky Air
Lucky Air
Lucky Air is an airline based in Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China. It operates scheduled services from Dali to Kunming and Xishuangbanna, and plans to expand to other areas of China. Its main base is Dali Airport.- History :...
and West Air. Membership benefits include air ticket redemption and upgrade; VIP members have additional privileges of dedicated First
First class (aviation)
First class is a luxury travel class on some airliners that exceeds business class, premium economy, and economy class. On a passenger jetliner, first class refers to a limited number of seats or cabins located in the front of the aircraft which are notable for their comfort, service, and privacy...
or Business Class
Business class
Business class is a travel class available on many commercial airlines and rail lines, known by brand names which vary by airline or rail company. In the airline industry, it was originally intended as an intermediate level of service between economy class and first class, but many airlines now...
check in counters, lounge access, bonus mileage and extra baggage allowance.
Incidents and accidents
This covers Hong Kong Airlines flights.- 17 November 2011;- Hong Kong Airlines Flight 752 was held hostage by passengers at Hong Kong Airport after a dispute between the airlines and the passengers over compensation offered to them after a 9 hour delay on the tarmac at Changi Airport. The passengers were later removed from the aircraft by the police but 21 of them continued their protest at the airport terminal. This dispute was later settled after the airline agreed to increase the compensation.
Award
On 23 November 2010, Hong Kong Airlines officially received 4-Star Ranking of Product and Service Quality from SkytraxSkytrax
Skytrax is a United Kingdom-based consultancy, the public face of Inflight Research Services, which has the largest airline and airport review and ranking site. It conducts research for commercial airlines...
.
See also
- List of airlines of Hong Kong
- List of airports in Hong Kong
- List of companies of Hong Kong
- Transport in Hong KongTransport in Hong KongHong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 90% of the daily journeys are on public transport, making it the highest rate in the world....