Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s Air Transport Licensing Authority on Monday (Feb 21) granted a licence to Greater Bay Airlines to operate scheduled air services between Hong Kong and 104 routes covering the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan China, Japan, South Korea and destinations in Asia Pacific region.
Greater Bay Airlines operated its first cargo charter flight last November after receiving its air operator’s certificate in October, but until now had not been approved to launch regularly scheduled commercial flights.
The airline said in a statement on Monday that it would receive its second and third Boeing 737-800 planes soon and plans to expand its fleet significantly over the next five years in line with market demand.
Algernon Yau, the CEO, said: “This is one of the most important milestones of a new airline entrant in Hong Kong. We received our Air Operator’s Certificate in October 2021 from the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong. Now, with the licence granted by ATLA, it means that we can expedite preparation and confirmation of other regulatory requirements and launch preparations, such as applying for operating permits from different aviation authorities of places we plan to fly to.”
“We are excited to bring a new airline choice to customers, at a time when travellers are yearning for the opportunity to fly again soon. GBA is committed to contributing to the continual aviation development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The airline industry helps generate trade, promote tourism, and create more employment opportunities for Hong Kong people. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank again my team and the regulatory authorities concerned. We look forward to the launch of our inaugural service soon.”
