Hong Kong Airlines celebrated the first flight between Hong Kong and Australia’s Gold Coast, marking the return of the airline and becoming the first local carrier to resume the long-awaited route in several years.
The service operates seasonally from January 17 to February 15, 2025. and covers four flights a week for four weeks, which includes the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. The route is operated on an A330 wide-body aircraft that offers both business and economy class seats. Read also | Chinese New Year 2024 – Date, How to Celebrate, Zodiac Animal and Meaning of Lunar New Year
To commemorate the restart, a ceremony was held at the boarding gate before the first flight took off. President of Hong Kong Airlines, Mr. Jeff Sun, representatives from Gold Coast and Queensland Airports, as well as senior officials from the Hong Kong Airport Authority attended the event, spoke to passengers and handed out custom gifts to share the joy.
The first flight HX015 to Gold Coast arrives at Gold Coast Airport at 08:55 local time. Passengers are greeted by a lively traditional lion dance hosted by Gold Coast Airport.
Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Yan Bo said: “We are very pleased to have a full flight of passengers on our first flight, with around 300 travelers coming to experience Queensland’s warm climate and exciting tourism activities. We also look forward to welcoming visitors from Gold Coastal and regional Queensland to Hong Kong during our work period, inviting them to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration and enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine.’ Read also | History of Chinese New Year celebration in China
Hong Kong Airlines President and Captain Mr. Sun joined the crew in the cockpit to pilot the first flight, he said: “As one of Hong Kong’s leading full-service airlines, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing high-quality comprehensive services, including flexible baggage allowances, free on-board meals and comfortable seats so that every passenger can enjoy a pleasant journey.’
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Ms Amelia Evans said: “We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines guests to our beautiful Gold Coast city and can’t wait for them to experience the best of the Australian summer across the region. We hope this connection with Hong Kong will pave the way for long-term services in our key markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and Mainland China.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said: “This influx from Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year period is an exciting opportunity for the Gold Coast, supporting local jobs and the economy.”
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Ollie Philpott helped mark the arrival of the important milestone. He commented: “TEQ has worked closely with Hong Kong Airlines and partners including Experience Gold Coast to highlight the Gold Coast in Hong Kong and Mainland China to increase demand for these flights and the destination.”
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates hailed the return of this vital service after six years and its positive contribution to the region.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warne said the resumption of Hong Kong Airlines services marked a significant step forward for the Gold Coast’s tourism industry. Read also | Happy Chinese New Year 2024: Wishes, Images, Quotes, Greetings, WhatsApp and Facebook Status to Celebrate Lunar New Year
“China is a very important market for the Gold Coast, so we are delighted to see Hong Kong Airlines services re-commencing.”
The resumption of the Gold Coast route marks Hong Kong Airlines’ first foray into the long-haul market. The company is gradually expanding its fleet to support a phased expansion of its network, including possible new routes in Australia and a return to the North American market. Additionally, outside of Vancouver, the airline is also actively exploring expanding service to Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto to offer passengers a wider range of international travel options.
The Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule between Hong Kong and Gold Coast is as follows (all times local).
About Hong Kong Airlines
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 30 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region and currently supports interline and code-sharing with various partner airlines and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft. Since 2011, Skytrax has received a world-renowned four-star rating.
