Hong Kong Express CEO Jeanette Mao announced the airline's latest business developments and market trends during the International Air Transport Association's annual general meeting. Due to recent predictions of earthquakes in Japan, Vietnam and South Korea have risen to become the top travel destinations for HK residents, replacing Japan.
In the first five months of 2025, the capacity of HK Express flights to Vietnam has doubled compared to the same period last year, with passenger volume growing by an impressive 1.3 times, surpassing capacity growth. Flights to South Korea have also seen an annual capacity increase of about two-thirds, maintaining a load factor of over 90%. The airline plans to add more routes and expand its network further.
Mao stated that, with a solid foundation in its Northeast Asia network, HK Express will continue to expand into Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland to capture significant growth opportunities in these regions. Southeast Asia's population is approximately three times that of Northeast Asia (excluding the Chinese Mainland), while the Mainland remains one of the world's largest tourism markets. Additionally, relaxed visa policies and strong demand for inbound travel in the region and the Mainland have further strengthened HK's position as a regional hub.
She also highlighted the airline's focus on developing transit passenger services by connecting Cathay Pacific flights through codeshare agreements with HK Express's regional routes in Asia. This initiative aims to promote both business and leisure travel while reinforcing HK's role as a critical bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
In April and May 2025, HK Express launched several new routes to Southeast Asia and the Mainland, with more destinations planned for this year.
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