Hong Kong Airlines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
||||
|
||||
| Founded | 28 March 2001 (as CR Airways) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubs | Hong Kong International Airport | |||
| Frequent flyer program | Fortune Wings Club | |||
| Fleet size | 3 (+55 orders) | |||
| Destinations | 7 | |||
| Parent company | Hainan Airlines | |||
| Headquarters | Hong Kong | |||
| Key people | * Yang Jian Hong (President) * Kalid Razack (CEO) * Ronal Lim (COO) |
|||
| Website | www.hongkongairlines.com | |||
Hong Kong Airlines Limited (traditional Chinese: 香港航空有限公司; Jyutping: hoeng1 gong2 hong4 hung1 jau5 haan6 gung1 si1), formerly CR Airways Limited (中富航空有限公司, IATA: N8), is a Hong Kong-based airline, with its main hub 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. It has an all Boeing fleet of narrow-body aircraft and a confirmed joint order, with Hong Kong Express Airways, of 51 narrow- and wide-body aircraft with Airbus.
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. 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.
Contents |
[edit] History
Robert Yip, the chairman of China Rich Holdings, with business interests in Chinese medicine, internet portal, construction and property development; established CR Airways in Hong Kong on 28 March 2001.[1][2] The airline received its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) with a 285 kilometres per hour (177 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.[3]
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.[4] It started passenger charter operations to Laoag, Philippines on 5 July 2003, with a Bombardier CRJ200 leased from GE Capital Aviation Services.[5][6] 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.[7] By March 2004, the airline had added Siem Reap, Cambodia to its charter network.[5]
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.[8] On 5 July 2005, the airline announced the purchase of two Bombardier CRJ700s from Danish carrier Maersk Air, scheduled to arrive in July and mid-August, respectively.[9] In addition, the airline had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for the purchase of 10 Boeing 787s and 30 Boeing 737-800s 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.[10][11]
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.[12] 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.[2][13] The airline made the biggest aircraft order in its young history on 21 June 2007, by ordering 51 narrow- and wide-body aircraft from European plane maker, Airbus, at an estimated value of US$5.6 billion.[14]
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.[15]
Cellphone usage on Hong Kong Airlines flights will soon be allowed between 2009-2010. The service is stated to be provided by OnAir.[16]
[edit] Destinations
Hong Kong Airlines operates to the following destinations (at December 2009):[17]
[edit] Terminated destinations
- Cambodia – Siem Reap[5][17]
- China – Jinan, Nanning, Sanya, Tianjin[2][17][18]
- Philippines – Clark Field, Laoag, Subic Bay[17][18]
- Thailand – Phuket[18][19]
- Vietnam – Danang[17][20]
[edit] Fleet
Hong Kong Airlines operates three passenger aircraft, fitted with two classes of service (Business and Economy Class). All aircraft are equipped with video broadcasting system with 20 9 inches (23 cm)-wide ceiling- or wall-mounted liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors, with two in Business Class and 18 in Economy Class.[21][22]
| Aircraft | Total[21] | Orders[23] | Passengers | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Y | Total | ||||
| Airbus A320 |
|
|
|
Joint order with Hong Kong Express | ||
| Airbus A330-200 |
|
|
|
Joint order with Hong Kong Express | ||
| Airbus Corporate Jet |
|
|
|
Joint order with Hong Kong Express | ||
| Boeing 737-800 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 leased to Hong Kong Express |
| Total | 3 | 55 | ||||
[edit] Aircraft orders
On 20 December 2005, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boeing to acquire 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 10 Boeing 787 aircraft.[24] 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.[23]
On 21 June 2007, the airline signed an MOU with Airbus to acquire 30 Airbus A320s, 20 Airbus A330-200s 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.[23][25][26]
[edit] Retired
Aircraft that have been in service with Hong Kong Airlines are:
[edit] Loyalty programmes
The Fortune Wings Club is the loyalty programme for Hong Kong Airlines and its sister airlines, including Grand China Air, 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.[27]
[edit] Services
[edit]
Hong Kong Airlines has a codeshare agreement with its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways, to Guiyang, Hangzhou, Nanning and Sanya.[17]
[edit] References
- ^ Wallis, Keith (8 November 2001). "China Rich to launch helicopter service". The Standard. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=5206&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=20011108&sear_year=2001. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ a b c China TianDiXing Logistics Holdings Limited & Apex Capital Limited (31 October 2006). "Sale and Purchase Agreements Relating to the Sale and Purchase of Shares in Apex Capital Limited" (PDF). Press release. 6. http://www.apexcapitalhk.com/pdf/LTN20061031062.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b "CR awarded Hong Kong ticket" (PDF). Flight International (Reed Business Information): p. 31. 26 March–1 April 2002. http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2002/2002%20-%200923.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Wallis, Keith (28 June 2003). "CR Airways third airline in town". The Standard. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=2678&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=20030628&sear_year=2003. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ a b c "Directory: world airlines" (PDF). Flight International (Reed Business Information): p. 58. 23–29 March 2004. http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%200180.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b "Hong Kong regional starts up". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 1 July 2003. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2003/07/01/168189/hong-kong-regional-starts-up.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "CR Airways plans fleet additions". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 23 September 2003. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2003/09/23/171498/cr-airways-plans-fleet-additions.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "Hong Kong pair near China rights". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 26 April 2005. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/04/26/197074/hong-kong-pair-near-china-rights.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "CRJ700s for CR". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 5 July 2005. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/07/05/200186/crj700s-for-cr.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "CR Airways signs MoU for 787s and 737s". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 20 December 2005. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/12/20/203719/cr-airways-signs-mou-for-787s-and-737s.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b Loong, Alman (21 December 2005). "CR Airways sets up deal to buy 40 Boeing jets". The Standard. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=1&art_id=28405&sid=5987821&con_type=1&d_str=20051221&sear_year=2005. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ "Hainan Airlines takes large minority stake in CR Airways". Flight International (Reed Business Information). 27 June 2006. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2006/06/27/207450/hainan-airlines-takes-large-minority-stake-in-cr-airways.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Hong Kong Airlines (28 November 2006). "“Bauhinia is Our Heart, Soaring beyond Hong Kong Skies” The Launch Ceremony of Hong Kong Airlines Limited". Press release. http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/news_e.php?id=press_2006Nov28. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "HK Airlines inks deal with Airbus for 51 jets". The Standard. 22 June 2007. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=5&art_id=47450&sid=14174437&con_type=1&d_str=20070622&sear_year=2007. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ Hong Kong Airlines (24 October 2008). "Hong Kong Airlines starts medium haul passenger and cargo service". Press release. http://www.hongkongairlines.com/web/eng/news_e.php?id=press_2008Oct24. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ "Foreign Airlines Ahead of U.S. on Cellphone Use". Wall Street Journal. 28 September 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/technology/29phones.html. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- ^ a b c d e f Hong Kong Airlines (18 June 2009). "Flight Timetable (20 May - 24 October 2009)" (PDF). Press release. http://www.hkairlines.com/web/pdf/scheduleInPDF/Schedule-upd26Jun09_e.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b c Loong, Alman (21 December 2005). "CR Airways sets up deal to buy 40 Boeing jets". The Standard. http://www.hkstandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=2&art_id=8354&sid=5987821&con_type=1&d_str=20051221&fc=4. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ Hong Kong Airlines (20 April 2009). "Flight Timetable (29 March - 24 October 2009)" (PDF). Press release. http://www.hkairlines.com/web/pdf/scheduleInPDF/Schedule_S09_17APR-24OCT09_V20APR09_e.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ^ Wallis, Keith (6 August 2004). "CR Airways launches HK-Danang service". The Standard. http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=3070&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=20040806&sear_year=2004. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
- ^ a b "Hong Kong Air". CH-Aviation. http://ch-aviation.ch/aircraft.php?search=set&airline=HOK&al_op=1. Retrieved 2009-08-10.
- ^ "Entertainment". Hong Kong Airlines. http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/Onboard/entertainment_e.php. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b c d e f "Our Fleet". Hong Kong Airlines. http://www.hkairlines.com/web/eng/AboutUs/profile2_e.php. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Boeing (20 December 2005). "Boeing Issues Statement on CR Airways' MOU with Boeing for 787s, 737s". Press release. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q4/051220b_nr.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Airbus (21 June 2007). "Hong Kong airlines buys 51 widebody and single aisle Airbus aircraft". Press release. http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/pressreleases_items/07_06_21_hong_kong_wide_single.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Airbus (12 September 2007). "Hong Kong Airlines seals Airbus deal at Asian Aerospace". Press release. http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/pressreleases_items/07_09_12_hongkong.html. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "Fortune Wings Club". Fortune Wings Club. http://ffp.hnair.com/FFPCluben/. Retrieved 2009-08-01.
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hong Kong Airlines |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
