Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, a new airline which is 100% owned by Hong Kong investors has begun taking its first-ever reservations. The airline will begin its first non-stop flights from Hong Kong to London Gatwick on October 25. Fares start from as little as HK$1,000 one way.

For business travellers, businessOasis fares start from HK$6,600 one way. The Seat pitch, designed for long-haul travel, is 32” in economyOasis and in business class 60”, comparing favourably with other airlines. Passengers will be able to enjoy two complimentary hot meals on board from a choice of Asian or Western styles. Tea, coffee and water are complimentary in both classes with soft drinks, snacks and alcohol available for purchase in economyOasis. In businessOasis alcohol and soft drinks are all complimentary. All seats have personal seat-back TV with a choice of up to 16 video entertainment channels offering hit movies and children’s programmes and 12 audio channels. Travellers can also choose to purchase additional products and services such as a deluxe amenities kit and lounge access.

Stephen Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, said: “Oasis Hong Kong Airlines believes in making customers’ travel dreams come true by offering them the best choice for long-haul travel at incredibly affordable prices with the same comfort and service as other airlines. After London, we aim to fly to Oakland (San Francisco area) in California and to other European and North American cities including Cologne/Bonn, Milan, Berlin and Chicago. We have hired experienced, enthusiastic staff and currently have 144 cabin crew and 56 flight crew who are undergoing a rigorous training programme.”

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines currently owns two Boeing 747-400s (previously owned and maintained by Singapore Airlines) and targets to grow to five aircraft by the end of 2007. Engineering and maintenance will be carried out by HAECO, a leading aviation maintenance provider in Asia. The airline will also offer cargo services with Cargolux as GSA and HACTL as cargo handler. Other partnerships include LSG Sky Chefs for catering, Jardine Aviation Services as ground handling agent and customer services by PAM (Oasis).

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines is adopting a partnership approach to working with the travel trade, unlike some other low fare carriers in Asia. Trade commissions will be at market rates of 7% for all travel agents in Hong Kong. Travel trade partnerships are also in place with travel wholesalers, group tour operators, hotel package operators and sales agents for China, and with Radixx and Galileo for GDS and internet distribution services respectively.

Major investors in Oasis Hong Kong Airlines are Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Lee and Priscilla Hwang Lee; Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and CEO of VTech Holdings; Dr. Richard K. Lee, founder of Trinity Textiles; along with other local investors. Aircraft financing has been arranged and funded by HSH Nordbank. The company has first phase funding commitment of US$100 million.
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