Greater Bay Airlines’ first plane touches down in Hong Kong ahead of fledgling carrier’s hoped-for National Day launch

The Boeing 737 landed at 3.24pm after spending recent weeks conducting test flights in Germany

The airline is still awaiting the necessary regulatory permit and licence to begin flying, though executives confident process on track

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Greater Bay Airlines’ first aircraft arrived at Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 3:41pm, 7 Sep 2021Updated: 11:25pm, 7 Sep 2021

Greater Bay Airlines’ first aircraft has landed in Hong Kong, as it seeks to become the city’s newest carrier while awaiting the regulatory permit and licence necessary to fly passengers and cargo.

The Boeing 737 left the Kazakhstan capital Nur-Sultan just after 9am Hong Kong time, arriving at its permanent home at Hong Kong International Airport at 3.24pm on Tuesday.

Chief executive officer Algernon Yau Ying-wah said in an online post on Monday night: “The first Greater Bay Airlines aircraft is on its way to Hong Kong. A key milestone in the airline’s history! Thanks to the team for all efforts made! Hats off!”

After being painted in the company colours last month, the Hong Kong-registered aircraft was flown from Guangzhou to Hamburg, Germany, where it has been conducting flight tests. The single-aisle 737 holds more than 170 passengers.

The Greater Bay Airlines’ plane touched down just before 3.30pm. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

The airline is launching amid dire conditions for the local aviation sector, with Hong Kong maintaining a strict “zero-infection” coronavirus policy that heavily discourages air travel by making international passengers from most locations quarantine for up to 21 days in a hotel.

The carrier is also still waiting for the government to approve its Air Operator’s Certificate and award it an air transport licence.