Hong Kong Airlines to launch all-premium class flights

Hong Kong Airlines recently announced that it will introduce all-premium class flights on the Hong Kong-London Gatwick route from next month.

With the launch of exclusive business class flights from March 7, Hong Kong Airlines will become the first Chinese carrier to offer an all-premium service.

The airline will deploy three Airbus A330-200 aircraft to operate the service on Hong Kong-London Gatwick route. The aircraft will be configured with 34 first class seats and 82 business class seats.

Hong Kong Airlines was launched in 2006, and currently operates a fleet of nearly 18 aircraft along with its sister carrier, Hong Kong Express Airways. Both the carriers conduct flights on 30 routes.

The airline said that it is likely to acquire more than 50 aircrafts by 2015.

Hong Kong Airlines is expected to face tough challenges in the all-premium flights segment from its rivals Cathay Pacific Airways and British Airways.