HK Express

2004–2006: Founding

Hong Kong Express Airways Limited was incorporated on 10 March 2004, with the former Chinese name, added on 21 April 2004.[11] The airline was owned by Macau casino entrepreneur Stanley Ho.[12] In July 2004, Hong Kong's helicopter operator Heli Hong Kong officially announced plans to commence fixed-wing operation via Hong Kong Express, to become Hong Kong's fourth passenger airline. It was planning to introduce regional jet services to secondary cities in mainland China and was in negotiations with Bombardier and Embraer for the lease of several 50- or 70-seat regional jets.[13] In April 2005, the airline was granted permission to transport passengers, cargo and mail from Hong Kong to selected destinations in China and permitted to apply for traffic rights to serve 15 Chinese cities.[14]

Business trends

The key trends for HK Express are (as of the financial year ending 31 December):[39]

Headquarters

The current head office is in the Cathay House (formerly known as Dragonair House and Cathay Dragon House) at Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok.[46]

The head office of HK Express was previously located at One Citygate in Tung Chung, Lantau.[47]

Senior leadership

Codeshare agreements

HK Express has a codeshare agreement with Cathay Pacific.[97]

Current fleet

As of December 2025, HK Express operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet composed of the following aircraft:[98]

Fleet development

In December 2015, HK Express signed a firm agreement with Norwegian unit Arctic Aviation Assets to lease 12 A320neos to be delivered between 2016 and 2018. A separate agreement for 10 A321-200s was also signed with another lessor.[100] In December 2016, the first A320neo entered the fleet.

In November 2019, Cathay Pacific announced that Hong Kong Express will receive 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft with expected deliveries from 2022 onwards.[101] The first A321neo was delivered in March 2023.[99]

Sudden flight cancellation

On 29 September 2017, HK Express suddenly cancelled 18 flights to Osaka, Nagoya and Incheon on 1 and 8 October without any notice. Because the flights cancelled covered the National Day of China and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, 2,070 passengers were affected. HK Express felt extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused, and proposed a series of alternative solutions for the affected passengers, like travelling on another airline, changing travel dates, changing destination and a full refund. The Civil Aviation Department was unsatisfied by the behaviour of HK Express, and required the airline to submit a detailed report regarding the causes, short-term and long-term solutions to the incidents.

Inappropriate promotion methods

In July 2018, HK Express was found posting advertisements under street signposts, with QR codes available for citizens to scan to get information and participate in games to win prizes. The advertisements did not show the airline's name nor its logo; however, names of Japanese places were shown. District council members said that these materials might cause chaos and mislead citizens, due to the fact that Highways Department strictly prohibits organisations from posting anything on their signposts. HK Express apologised for organising this activity, stopped the activity on 18 July 2018, and removed the advertisements.