Bureaus Exclusive

HK airline launches new services to Shanghai airport

By Chen Qide (China Daily Shanghai Bureau)
Updated: 2010-09-15 19:44

Dragonair holds a ceremony to celebrate the launch of its new services from Hong Kong to Hongqiao Airport. Photo provided to China Daily

Dragonair opened an air route from Hong Kong to Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai Wednesday, becoming the first overseas airlines to provide such services.

"The launch of regular services between Hong Kong and Hongqiao marks an important milestone in the airlines' 25 years, highlighting its long-term commitment to linking Mainland China to Hong Kong," said Dragonair Chief Executive Officer James Tong.

The daily Hongqiao service from Hong Kong is operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. With 16 daily flights from Hong Kong to Pudong, the airlines now offers passengers the widest selection of travel options between the two cities.

"It will surely strengthen its role as a major carrier between Mainland China and Hong Kong," Tong said.

He said the new service will further enhance the trade and economic ties of the two cities, helping Hong Kong to retain its position as the major gateway to Mainland China.

Dragonair started operating chartered flights to Shanghai in 1988 and moved its operation to Pudong Airport in October 2002.

"The service to Hongqiao will take passengers closer to the city center with connections to an extensive transportation network," he said.

China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines opened air route from Hongqiao to Hong Kong on September 10, followed by Hong Kong Airlines which is expected to open flights to Hongqiao on October 31.

The new service to Hongqiao follows an agreement between the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (SAR) government in July to add Shanghai Hongqiao as a destination for scheduled air services between Hong Kong and Mainland China, Tong said.

The inaugural ceremony at Hongqiao Airport was hosted by Tong, with other honoured guests in attendance, including Hu Yaming, deputy director of CAAC East China, Wang Guangdi, vice president of Shanghai Airport Authority, Patrick Chan, director of Hong Kong SAR Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai, and Vivian Cheung, executive deputy general manager of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Airport Management Co Ltd.

"We are confident to develop our business in Shanghai which has great market potential," Tong said.

A series of promotional offers will be introduced to mark the airlines' 25th anniversary. Asia miles members purchasing Dragonair tickets between Hongqiao and Hong Kong before October 15 will earn double Asia Miles.