HK's low-cost airline to expand mainland routes

HK Express, the only low-fare airline in Hong Kong, plans to start more flights this year to revitalize air travel in Asia, the company sources said.

"We are offering low cost, efficient and borderless air services for travelers in Asia, especially those in the Pearl River Delta, as a growing number of people have developed interests in traveling throughout southeastern and northeastern Asia," said Andrew Cowen, deputy chief executive officer of HK Express.

Following the launch of daily flights to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, last October, the company will soon open its second route to the mainland – Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

"The move represents our commitment to building foothold into the mainland," Cowen said.

Starting from August 1, the airline will operate five flights a week between Hong Kong and Ningbo, offering a flexible schedule for business and leisure travelers in Hong Kong and the Yangtze River Delta.

The low-fair flight provider, which began operations in October last year, will expand its flight destinations from the existing 13 to 20 by the end of 2014 and it also plans to recruit 300 new cabin crew by the end of 2015, sources with the company said.