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Hong Kong Airlines
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Hong Kong Airlines adds major routes, in new threat to Cathay Pacific

City’s third-largest airline, which enjoys mainland backing, to fly to London, San Francisco and New York

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Hong Kong Airlines recently took delivery of 21 Airbus A350 aircraft. Photo: Handout
Danny Lee

Hong Kong travellers will have wider options for long-haul flights, and airlines in the city will face even fiercer competition, as Hong Kong Airlines widens its global reach in a major effort to squeeze arch-rival Cathay Pacific Airways.

Hong Kong’s third-largest airline announced on Friday plans to launch new flights next year, going head to head with local top dog Cathay Pacific on routes to London, San Francisco and New York.

The mainland-backed airline got its hands on the first of 21 state-of-the-art Airbus A350 planes on Friday, and unveiled a new premium airport lounge in Hong Kong.

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The airline’s push poses a fresh challenge to Cathay Pacific, which has already suffered huge losses in recent years, caused by competition from mainland and Middle Eastern carriers.

Only one plane lands in Hong Kong as Typhoon Hato wreaks havoc with flight schedules

Ben Wong Ching-ho, chief operating officer at Hong Kong Airlines, took a swipe at a Cathay Pacific’s dominance at Hong Kong International Airport, where it controls almost half of take-off and landing slots with sister airline Cathay Dragon.

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