United is further extending its suspension on flights between the US and Hong Kong

United Airlines Boeing 777-300 ER.

United Airlines had earlier announced that they would suspend flights between the US and Hong Kong until February 20th, however, they have now announced that the suspension is extended until April 24th.

American Airlines already announced them extending the suspension until late April, so this does not come as a surprise to anyone I believe.

Cathay said they would reduce their flights by 30% due to the virus outbreak, but….

It looks like they are cancelling a lot more. They also said they would reduce their capacity to Mainland China by 90%, and that seems to be accurate.

Aircraft parked at Hong Kong International Airport.
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Cathay Pacific Group Releases Combined Traffic Figures for December 2019

Cathay A350

The Cathay Pacific Group released recently the combined Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon traffic figures for December 2019 that show decreases in the number of passengers carried and the amount of cargo and mail uplifted compared to the same month in 2018.

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Hong Kong Airlines allowed to continue operations.

The Air Transport Licensing Authority has said they are satisfied that Hong Kong Airlines had met the two conditions set down five days ago in order to continue their operations in Hong Kong.

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Owner of Hong Kong Airlines gets HK$4.4 billion loan from Chinese state banks

But doubts surface over whether money will be used to save struggling carrier, according to SCMP

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Cathay Pacific releases combined traffic figures for October 2019

A bit late update for me this month, but a couple of weeks ago Cathay released their traffic numbers for October 2019, and for the third straight month there was a decrease in both flights and passengers compared to the year before. Most significant is the 35% decrease in inbound passengers for Hong Kong, although this was partially offset by a increase in transit passengers.

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Hong Kong Airlines statement (2 December 2019)

Hong Kong Airlines A359

As i wrote about yesterday, Hong Kong Airlines has been given until Saturday to save the airline. In reference to the condition, Hong Kong Airlines has issued the following press release:

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Hong Kong Airlines given 5 days to save the company

Air Transport Licensing Authority attaches new licence conditions to Hong Kong Airlines Limited

Hong Kong Airlines A359

The following press release was just issued by the Air Transport Licensing Authority:

     In the light of the ongoing financial problems of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA), ATLA has been closely monitoring the financial situation of the airline over a long period of time in accordance with Regulation 15D(1) of the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A), and has repeatedly asked HKA to submit financial improvement plans. Since December 2018, ATLA has issued six press releases to inform the public of the financial problems of HKA and the follow-up work of ATLA.

     ATLA met the senior management members of HKA again on November 29, 2019, and heard the representation and explanations made by them about the latest financial position of HKA. Having considered the latest financial position of HKA, ATLA was of the view that HKA’s financial position has deteriorated rapidly to such an extent that has severely impacted on HKA’s capability in meeting its obligations as an employer to pay salary and the probability of providing a satisfactory service under its licence in respect of continuity and regularity of operation. ATLA found the situation extremely worrying. After careful deliberation, ATLA decided today (December 2) to attach new conditions to HKA’s licence as per Regulation 15E (2)(b) of the Regulations that HKA should enhance its financial situation to such a level as already required by ATLA over a period of time. 

     A spokesman for ATLA said, “After careful consideration of the financial position of HKA at present, ATLA must take immediate and resolute action to prevent further deterioration of HKA’s situation in order to protect public interests. In accordance with the two new licence conditions attached by ATLA, HKA must, by a deadline set, ensure cash injection at a level determined by ATLA (or provide an alternative to the satisfaction of ATLA), and raise and maintain its cash and cash equivalent level as stipulated by ATLA.” 

     If HKA fails to improve its financial situation as required by ATLA by the deadline, ATLA will take further action under Regulation 15E of the Regulations, which provides for revocation or suspension of licence. ATLA would announce its decision by December 7, 2019.

Cebu Pacific to start Hong Kong – Puerto Princesa

Cebu Pacific Airbus A320

Starting November 19 2019, Cebu Pacific are starting direct flights from Hong Kong to the most beautiful island in the Philippines, Palawan. The flight will be flying to the biggest city on the island group, called Puerto Princesa.

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Review – VietJet Airbus A320 Hong Kong – Phu Quoc

Boarding Pass

When I booked the ticket the departure time was 15:40 and arrival time 17:25, however, right after I had booked the schedule was adjusted and new flight timings were 16:40 departure time and 18:25 arrival time. Not ideal as I was hoping to get a half evening around town the day I arrived, but there should still be time for that if we arrived on time.

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