Aviation is quickly becoming like boxing, with so many world titles granted that no one knows who is the greatest at anything, let alone whose airline serves the best martinis. However, when a reputable analyst firm like OAG bestows a title based on facts, it is difficult to dismiss, making the title of the World’s Fastest Growing Airline in 2024 well worth obtaining.
A post-pandemic marvel
Yesterday, Hong Kong-based carrier HK Express Airways revealed that it had increased passenger numbers by 40% year on year, welcome its sixth millionth passenger for 2024 on New Year’s Eve.
HK Express Airways (HK Express) has received high industry recognition for its rapid expansion, earning the title of the World’s Fastest Growing Airline of 2024 from OAG, the global travel industry’s leading data platform.
Commercial aviation in Hong Kong has faced considerable challenges in recent years, beginning with a significant drop in tourism as a result of political upheaval and major protests at the airport.
This was exacerbated by the prolonged and severe pandemic lockdowns in China and North East Asia, which reduced Hong Kong International Airport to a parking lot for grounded aircraft.
As evidenced by the OAG recognition, HK Express, a subsidiary of the Cathay Pacific Group, has recovered strongly post-COVID, with the Group now operating at 100% of pre-pandemic levels. It flies to over 30 destinations in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
A team effort to rebuild Hong Kong’s aviation hub
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao stated that 2024 was an important year for the airline as it meticulously extended its destination network, fleet, and crew. She went on to say that it had not only surpassed six million passengers in a single year, but it had also been named the industry’s fastest-growing airline globally.
“As Hong Kong’s only low-cost airline, we will continue to offer affordable fares and introduce exciting new destinations, enabling travelers to embrace the freedom to travel anytime, anywhere. We are confident in our ability to further contribute to Hong Kong’s aviation and tourism sectors, reinforcing the city’s position as an international aviation hub.”
Unlike its partner airline, Cathay Pacific, HK Express has a modest but expanding fleet of 41 Airbus aircraft. The low-cost carrier has chosen to fly an all-Airbus fleet, which provides the capacity and flexibility required for its network on short-haul international routes. According to Ch-aviation, the fleet includes:
- six Airbus A320-200s
- ten Airbus A320neos – with eight on order
- thirteen Airbus A321-200s
- twelve Airbus A321neos – with thirteen on order
A special surprise for HK Express 2024 six-millionth passenger
When one lucky HK Express customer arrived at Hong Kong International for a journey to Fukuoka Airport on New Year’s Eve, she had no idea what to expect. Ms Wan, the airline’s six-millionth passenger in 2024, was received cordially at the departure gate by the HK Express management team, which included CEO Jeanette Mao.
Aside from the CEO’s high-level and customized greeting, Ms Wan received six round-trip tickets as a gesture of appreciation for her ongoing support and embrace of HK Express’s “Live More” brand value. As expected, she was astonished and stated:
“I never thought that I would be this lucky! I will plan next year’s travel itinerary with my family; I prefer natural scenery, so I will likely explore different destinations in Japan.”
After all the commotion, HK Express flight UO668 took off a few minutes late at 11:12 but made up the time by landing seven minutes early at Fukuoka Airport at 15:03. On December 31, 2024, a 2017 Airbus A321-200, registration B-LEF and MSN 7831, flew from Fukuoka at 16:50 and arrived in Hong Kong at 19:16.
Why was HK Express named OAG’s fastest growing airline in 2024?
HK Express received the recognition for its rapid expansion in network coverage, increased frequency of flights, and consistent growth in passenger numbers during 2024.
What is OAG, and how do they rank airlines?
OAG is a leading global travel data provider that tracks flight schedules and operational performance. They rank airlines based on metrics such as growth rate, punctuality, and operational expansion.
Which regions contributed most to HK Express’s growth in 2024?
HK Express’s growth in 2024 was driven largely by its increased presence in East Asia and Southeast Asia, including key routes to Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
How has HK Express improved its service during the expansion?
HK Express has invested in fleet upgrades, introduced more eco-friendly initiatives, and enhanced its in-flight services to accommodate growing passenger demand.
Is HK Express planning further expansion in 2025?
Yes, HK Express plans to continue expanding its route network in 2025, focusing on new international destinations and increasing flight frequencies on existing routes.
What type of fleet does HK Express operate?
HK Express primarily operates an all-Airbus fleet, including A320 and A321neo aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and modern features.
