Gatwick gets new Hong Kong service
Gatwick has been confirmed as the London airport for new daily business-class only flights to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Airlines officially unveiled its plans at World Travel Market this week and claimed it will offer an alternative to British Airways and Cathay Pacific.
The service will launch in March 2012 using the Airbus A330-200 out of Gatwick’s newly renovated North Terminal.
The airline's general manager UK Gerard Clarke, said: “We have gained a reputation for outstanding service over the past five years and we look forward to extending this to our new flagship route, connecting two global business capitals of the world.
"The concept for the all Club Class aircraft will provide passengers with a private jet style ambience and an exceptional crew to guest ratio, and we are confident that we have the right knowledge and experience to make a success of the new all Club Class daily service.”
Gatwick is targeting long-haul routes to better connect Gatwick with emerging markets of the world.
The route from Hong Kong was attempted by Oasis Airlines but failed in 2008, mostly due to lack of funding.
Hong Kong Airlines is backed by Hainan Airlines, the fourth largest Chinese carrier, and is privately owned.
The airline has an extensive route network of 30 cities in Asia and Europe, with its furthest destination Moscow.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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