In line with healthy growth reported this year, low-cost carrier HK Express is expanding its Airbus fleet with six new aircraft next year.
The airline, celebrating its two-year anniversary, reported healthy passengers numbers for the third quarter, 83 per cent up on the same period last year. Load factor for September was particularly impressive with a record 83.5 per cent. More than two million passengers flew with HK Express in the 12 months to September 2015 – compared with one million passengers for the 12 months to September 2014.
“When we transformed HK Express into a low-fare airline just two years ago, we set out to introduce affordable fares and great service to the Hong Kong market,” said Andrew Cowen, chief executive of HK Express.
“The consistently sky-rocketing passenger numbers attest to our strong brand identity and dedication to low fares. We hope to round out 2015 with continued successes and ride the incredible momentum into 2016.”
To keep up with growing demand, HK Express will begin taking delivery of the new aircraft next year. The low-cost carrier is expected to begin operating the new A320neos in the second half of 2016. The aircraft will feature a single class configuration with 188 seats and feature more fuel-efficient engines and larger storage compartments compared to the A320.
The Hong Kong-based carrier has 12 A320neos on order, with four to arrive next year and at least four more each year until 2018.