LAUDA Air will start a second weekly service from Vienna to Hong Kong from November although it has yet to secure additional take-off and landing slots at jam-packed Kai Tak airport.
Derek Jewson, the Austrian carrier's commercial director, said Lauda Air was confident it would win slot concessions because it was looking to depart from Hong Kong before 9 pm when Kai Tak is less congested than normal.
He thought it not premature to announce the new service when landing slots were yet to be secured.
The new mid-week service will depart Hong Kong on Wednesdays and arrive in Vienna on Thursdays, probably stopping over in Bangkok en route.
Mr Jewson said: ''The start of a second flight comes after extended negotiations with the Government and coincides with increased trading activity between south China and central Europe.'' He sees Hong Kong as Lauda Air's hub into China.
While in Hong Kong this week, Mr Jewson has been negotiating with Hong Kong Dragon Airlines and China's carriers on possible discounted through-fares and tickets for Austrian and mainland travellers wanting to travel between Vienna and destinations in China.
Lauda Air also announced this week the appointment of Pacific Delight Tours as its ground servicing agent in Hong Kong.
