Budget airline Oasis has retimed one of its London to Hong Kong services because its flights are taking a more circuitous routing. Last month's inaugural to London was a day late leaving Hong Kong because the Russian authorities had refused to grant overflying rights.
That still remains the case and so Oasis' flights between London and Hong Kong must take a longer routing over China, Central Asia and Turkey before entering European airspace. It means that average flight time is extended by an hour with services from Gatwick now taking 12 hrs 30 mins and those from Hong Kong taking more than 14 hrs.
Oasis operates four times a week with a single B747-400 until November 24 when a second plane joins the fleet and the service is then boosted to a daily operation.
Until November 24, Saturday flight O8 701 will leave Gatwick at 1300 (previous timing 1600) and arrive in Hong Kong the next day at 0930 (formerly 1120). The inbound Sunday service 08 706 now leaves Hong Kong at 1130 (1320 before) to reach Gatwick at 1750 (1810). All other flights retain their previous timings.
To boost business in the pre-Christmas period, Oasis is offering all seats on every flight at the lowest fare (subject to availability). So Hong Kong return costs a flat £282 return in economy with business class being offered for £1,112. Book by November 30 and travel by December 14.
For more information go to oasishongkong.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
