Continental Airlines (CO) has resumed twice weekly direct flights between Hongkong and Guam today, April 2, 2010, after a two-year hiatus.
Flights depart from Hongkong Friday and Monday at 10.30pm, arriving in the US territory at 5.15am the following day. The timing leaves travellers the whole day for leisure or business activities. Return flights depart from Agana airport at 6.35pm and arrive in Hongkong at 9.25pm.
The route utilises a Boeing B777-200 aircraft, featuring individual entertainment units in every seat.
The new service will also offer easy access to Hawaii. Walter Dias, Continental Airlines’ managing director for Greater China & Southeast Asia, said: "For Hongkong, this will be the fastest way to get there. You can clear immigration in Guam very quickly and there is about one hour (between the two flights) to transit."
Steven Giegerich, deputy chief, consular section, US Consulate General, announced that holders of the Hongkong SAR passports or British National Overseas passports will not need a visa to Guam or Saipan. "I expect the number of Hongkong visitors to Guam will surge," he said.
However, those bound for Hawaii through Guam, are required to apply for a US visa.
Guam is a popular destination for weddings, meetings and incentive tours. According to CO's Dias hotels there have spent millions of dollars to build their own chapels.
While the carrier expects increased traffic from both business and leisure sectors in Hongkong, it is less optimistic about arrivals from Mainland China. The market has been seen to prefer Saipan, which does not require a US visa for Chinese travellers.
Travel packages starting from HK$3,999 (US$514) for three nights are available from www.co-holidays.com
For more about Continental, visit www.continental.com
Andrea Zavadszky
