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We learned today that Hong Kong Airlines was closing reservations for its Hong Kong-San Francisco route as of October 4, 2019. This route would only have existed for about a year and a half – its first launch having taken place March 2018. Perhaps the competition was far too intense for the connection between two world-clbad cities.
The cancellation of the route
Hong Kong Airlines Deletes San Francisco Flight, Last Flight Scheduled 04OCT19
– Airlineroute (@Airlineroute) July 27, 2019
The end of this service will see the end of the HX60 / 61 airline route, which was a direct flight of approximately 12.5 to 13.5 hours.
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This is unfortunately indicative of the poor financial situation of Hong Kong Airlines. Held by the troubled HNA group, its parent company is trying to sell badets. In addition, the HNA group has not been able to pay for many new Airbus aircraft on order. In fact, these planes are still sitting on the ground in Toulouse according to One Mile at a time.
The airline had been seriously restructured, including the possibility that Hong Kong Airlines cut its long-haul flights to the United States.
HKG-SFO competition
Looking at the Hong Kong market in San Francisco, this is what remains when Hong Kong Airlines abandons its route:
- Cathay Pacific: 3x daily flights, using a combination of 777-300 and A350-900
- United Airlines: With a hub at SFO, the airline offers a single daily flight with a flight between 777 and 300. As of October 2019, this number will increase to two daily flights using 777-200 aircraft.
- Singapore Airlines: A fifth freedom line, the airline offers a single daily flight with a 777-300
The dynamic aviation market in Hong Kong
Founded in 2006, the main competition of Hong Kong Airlines was to be the regional heavyweight Cathay Pacific. There has been a moment in history where things were bleak for Cathay Pacific. According to a South China Morning Post article, the airline suffered its first consecutive loss in 71 years of existence, with a total of $ 160 million.
However, the trend has recently reversed. Cathay Pacific was able to post a profit after two years of losses. This has been facilitated by rising air fares according to CNBC.
For its part, Hong Kong Airlines had to withdraw its service from New Zealand from May. This is according to the publication Kiwi Stuff. The airline has had financial problems and is currently trying to restructure. According to reports, it plans to reduce the size of its fleet from 38 to 28 aircraft by equipping 10 Airbus A330-200s.
The airline also offers direct flights from Hong Kong to Los Angeles and Vancouver. These are also Cathay Pacific roads. All that remains is to wait for more roads to be cut as part of this restructuring process.
Are you sad to see that this road is interrupted? Or do you prefer to fly with one of the competing airlines? Let us know by leaving a comment!
We contacted Hong Kong Airlines and asked for a comment. At the time of publication, we have not received a response yet.
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