Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed full-service airline, will become the only carrier providing direct twice-weekly flight service between Hong Kong and Kuching, Malaysia, when services launch on May 28th. The new service will be operated by an all-economy class Airbus A320 aircraft, further strengthen the airline’s network in Asia.

Hong Kong International Airport’s HK$10-billion Midfield Concourse, as well as its auxiliary facilities including the aviation fuel supply system and the Automated People Mover connecting Terminal 1 and the MFC, has been completed on schedule. Construction of the 105,000-square-metre five-storey new concourse began in 2011.

Hong Kong Airlines will launch its first thrice-weekly service to Australia next year, commencing on January 8th 2016. The new service is a triangular service starting from Hong Kong to Gold Coast, and continuing to Cairns en-route back to Hong Kong. Airbus A330 aircraft with 292 seats including 32 business class seats will be deployed on the route, operating on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong Airlines, an internationally-acclaimed airline, have signed a codeshare agreement to provide travellers with enhanced connections between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on Hong Kong Airlines’ flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, allowing business and leisure travellers to book a round trip between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi via Thailand’s capital.

With the airline now focusing on its full service offering, Michael Burke, assistant director, Hong Kong Airlines, here talks to Phil Blizzard at the IATA AGM 2014. He also discusses the importance of the growing Chinese business travel market.

Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed it will drop flights between Hong Kong and Gatwick from September 10th. The all-business class airline has decided to scrap the service after just six months in operation.