Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines now eyeing 4Q21 launch

Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines likely to be delayed

Greater Bay Airlines (HGB, Hong Kong Int'l) is likely to miss its planned 2021 launch as its certification process continues to be marred by delays partially attributed to the opposition from Cathay Pacific, the South China Morning Post has reported.

The start-up took delivery of its first B737-800, B-KJA (msn 42277), on September 7, 2021, and began test flights between Hong Kong Int'l and Macau Int'l the day after, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. The 4.5-year-old aircraft, ex-Norwegian Air International stock and owned by ICBC Financial Leasing, is the first of three due to deliver to Greater Bay Airlines ahead of its launch.

Despite the move, the carrier's plan to receive its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) by September 17, as it had previously hoped, is uncertain. This would have allowed it to operate the first charter flight to Beijing on October 1, China's National Day.

While the AOC would suffice to launch charter operations, the carrier faces even greater hurdles with its quest for an air transport licence...

Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines outlines initial network

Greater Bay Airlines (HGB, Hong Kong Int'l) has said on its website that it plans to begin international operations to Singapore Changi, Phuket, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and COVID-related developments.

The Hong Kong start-up recently confirmed that it is currently undergoing certification and is on track to begin revenue operations on October 1. At first, it plans to limit its network to charter services, possible without an Air Transport Licence (ATL), followed by scheduled flights once the permit has been granted.

Greater Bay Airlines plans to launch with three B737-800s and focus on routes connecting Hong Kong Int'l to destinations in mainland China. In 2022, it hopes to increase its fleet to ten aircraft.

Currently, non-essential travel between Hong Kong Int'l and Singapore is banned, although the authorities of the two territories plan to review their plans for a quarantine-free "travel bubble" later this month. Thailand allows vaccinated foreign travellers, including those from Hong Kong, to visit Phuket...

Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines on course for 4Q21 debut

Greater Bay Airlines (HGB, Hong Kong Int'l) hopes to operate its first commercial flight, a charter service from Hong Kong Int'l to Beijing, on October 1, China's National Day, the South China Morning Post has reported.

The start-up has yet to secure its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) but is aiming to obtain the permit on September 17, 2021, in time for its proposed launch. However, director Stanley Hui Hon-chung said Greater Bay's application for an air transport licence has been more burdensome due to alleged obstruction by unnamed incumbent carriers.

"We believe we meet all the requirements. It is not surprising that incumbent airlines do deploy various means to prevent or delay the entry into the market of new airlines," he said.

In particular, the Air Transport Licencing Authority (ATLA) is said to be closely scrutinising whether the start-up meets the financial requirements and whether its principal place of business is, in fact, in Hong Kong. Greater Bay Airlines is backed by Bill Wong Cho-bau, a Hong Kong-based businessman who has heavily invested...

Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines raises capital by $39mn