Hong Kong Airlines is to start a Hongkong-Moscow route in June. The announcement comes just weeks after Cathay Pacific (CX) revealed its plan to operate a service to the Russian capital (see news).
The four-times-a-week Hong Kong Airlines service to Moscow will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering Business and Economy Class services.
Company president Yang Jianghong said: “We are excited to operate this new route. As a Hongkong-based airline, we are dedicated to developing the city’s tourism and economy. Together with our sister company Hong Kong Express, we provide a multi-destination travel opportunity to travelers from Moscow via Hongkong to Mainland China and other destinations in Southeast Asia. ”
The move comes after Hongkong-based Cathay Pacific announced its intention to open a three-times-a-week Hongkong-Moscow route during the summer.
Currently only Russian flag-carrier Aeroflot operates this route, codesharing with CX.
Hongkong and Russia introduced a reciprocal 14-day visa-waiver programme in July last year, and hotels are already reporting a rise in Russian arrivals and enquiries both from leisure, business and incentive segments.
In recent months, the Grand Hyatt Hongkong has appointed two Russian-speaking staff to handle this new market.
www.hongkongairlines.com
Kenny Coyle
