Hong Kong Airlines (HX) is set to take off for Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) on March 15. The carrier has beat Cathay Pacific to be the first local Hong Kong carrier to operate the route. Initially operating four times a week, Hong Kong Airlines plans to schedule its Airbus A320 on the route.
Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines already operate at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). At this stage, it appears that Hong Kong Airlines will maintain services to both Beijing airports.
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Flexible travel options
Becoming the sole carrier to operate between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and the two Beijing airports will give customers flexibility in their travel options. Tickets have now gone on sale, with the airline's frequent flyer membership, Fortune Wings Club, being able to reward a 50% points rebate on any booking between March 15th and April 30th on the route.
Beijing Daxing International Airport, which opened on September 26, 2019, is home to the world's largest single-use airport terminal and airline alliance Sky Team in Beijing, with some oneworld carriers as frequent visitors. In contrast, Star Alliance has predominantly remained at Beijing Capital. The airport boasts four runways in service and is an important hub and connection point for those in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.
Four flights a week
Hong Kong Airlines plans to operate a moderate schedule to Beijing Daxing, with an initial four flights per week. The airline's Airbus A320 will operate a morning departure from Hong Kong and a mid-afternoon return from the Chinese capital, as below:
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HK308, departing Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 09:35 and arriving at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) at 12:55.
- Operating Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
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HK309, departing Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) at 13:55 and returning to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 17:35.
- Operating Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
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Win a free trip to Hong Kong.
As earlier reported on Simple Flying, Hong Kong announced it would be giving away 500,000 free flights in an attempt to lure visitors back to the city after a firm COVID-19 policy shut the border. The economy class tickets will be offered by three Hong Kong-based airlines – Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and HK Express.
In addition to the lottery of free tickets, travelers arriving can also attain the following:
- A complimentary welcome drink at more than 100 participating hotels, bars, and restaurants
- A HK$100 ($13) voucher to be put towards dining and shopping around the city
- A special surprise gift when visiting certain attractions and museums
The distribution of free tickets will be in three stages, which commences on March 1st, and only residents of South East Asian countries will be able to apply for this round. The next stage is when the lottery will open to mainland China on April 1st and finally open to the rest of the world on May 1st.
Eligible travelers will need to register for the lottery on the AAHK website. The ticket cost will be covered, but passengers will still be required to pay any taxes and fees applicable to their flight.