Low-cost carrier HK Express has welcomed its first Airbus A321neo featuring the carrier's latest livery and customized Recaro-made seating. The new aircraft, seating 236 passengers in an all-economy layout, will conduct its maiden revenue flight in a few days.
First HK Express A321neo arrives
The next-generation narrowbody departed Airbus' facility at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) on March 25th and flew to Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) before continuing onwards to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The Airbus A321neo (registration: B-KKA) becomes the 27th Airbus aircraft in the HK Express fleet, joining the airline's 11 A321-200s, 10 A320neos, and five A320-200s.
Mandy Ng, CEO of HK Express, said,
"We are thrilled to welcome the first A321neo to our fleet. As an operator of the A320 Family, we are confident in the A321neo’s game-changing ability to provide more capacity with greater sustainability. At HK Express, the A321neo is key in our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment."
The A321neo is equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines and Sharklet wingtips, providing more than 20% lesser fuel consumption and CO2 emission savings, and a 50% noise reduction. It also features the carrier's newest purple and white livery and “e” shaped empennage spots on its winglets, vertical stabilizer, and the bottom of the fuselage.
The first destination for the new aircraft will be Bangkok on April 2nd. HK Express' remaining 15 Airbus A321neos are all scheduled for delivery within the next two years, which will align perfectly with the planned opening of HKG's Three Runway System at the end of 2024.
Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific, added,
"Airbus is proud to extend our relationship with the Cathay Pacific Group [HK Express is the budget subsidiary], and this new delivery represents a new milestone in our long relationship. The A321neo’s performance and efficiency will allow HK Express to expand its network, while reducing its carbon footprint."
Custom Recaro seating
German seating firm Recaro will fit out HK Express' A321neo fleet with its SL3170 seat, the lightest seat in the Recaro catalog weighing in at just ~8 kg (17.6 lb). HK Express cabins will feature custom-made artificial leather dress covers and advertising frames on the backrest.
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding, commented,
"The SL3710 is a great fit for HK Express because of its lightweight structure and ergonomic design. Our strong relationship with the Cathay Pacific Group paved the way for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to this strong new partnership with HK Express."
The A321neo cabin will seat 236 economy passengers in Airbus’ award-winning Airspace cabin. In all, HK Express has ordered over 4,000 Recaro SL3170 seats, which made its debut last year on JetSMART's Airbus A321neos.
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Returning to capacity
As reported by the South China Morning Post, HK Express is projecting a return to pre-COVID levels by the end of March having hit 80% in February, while parent airline Cathay Pacific expects to reach 50% of its pre-COVID capacity in the same period. With up to 500 flights per week scheduled this summer and over 30 destinations coming by the end of the year, the budget carrier is embarking on a recruitment spree with 180 pilots and 300 cabin crew needed.
​​​​​​​The Hong Kong-based LCC was acquired by Cathay Pacific for $628 million in 2019 and is now the only subsidiary passenger airline under Cathay after Cathay Dragon folded in October 2020 - HK Express currently serves 17 destinations, set to increase to 22 this summer.
Are you booked on B-KKA's maiden passenger flight to Bangkok on April 2nd? How frequently have you flown with HK Express? Let us know in the comments.
Source: South China Morning Post