Saturday, December 2, 2023
Hong Kong Airlines marked a significant milestone today as it inaugurated its first flight to Kumamoto, thereby expanding its network reach in the Kyushu region of Japan with a schedule of three weekly flights. Kumamoto becomes the airline’s seventh destination in Japan, following the successful launch of services to Fukuoka and Nagoya earlier this year.
To commemorate the launch of Hong Kong Airlines’ new Kumamoto route, the Kumamoto Prefecture sent its beloved mascot, Kumamon, on a “business trip” to Hong Kong on November 30. Kumamon engaged in entertaining activities at the HKA Training Academy, interacted with the public at Central Harbourfront, and contributed to the promotion of tourism in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The inaugural flight was celebrated with a modest yet momentous ceremony at the boarding gate of Hong Kong International Airport. The senior management team of HKA, the Chief Director of Kumamoto Prefectural Government Hong Kong Representative Office, representatives from the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and Kumamon engaged with passengers on the first flight, distributing special gift sets.
Upon landing at Aso Kumamoto Airport, the aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute, followed by a celebratory ceremony attended by key figures such as Mr. Jevey Zhang (Chairman of HKA), Mr. Yamakawa (President of Kumamoto Airport), Mr. Tajima (Vice Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture), local Diet members, and other distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, Mr. Jevey Zhang expressed excitement about reintegrating Kumamoto into their expanding Japanese route network. Kumamoto, as the second new destination in the Kyushu region, complements existing daily return flights to Fukuoka, connecting northern and central Kyushu and offering passengers diverse travel options. Mr. Zhang also anticipated strengthening cooperation with Kumamoto, other prefectural governments in Japan, various airport authorities, and business partners to expand flight offerings to additional Japanese destinations.
Mr. Yamakawa added, “We are pleased to resume flights to Hong Kong after the last earthquake disaster. This not only benefits passengers departing from Kumamoto but also enhances international freight traffic, fostering local economic development between Kumamoto and Hong Kong. We are committed to strengthening mutual collaboration to attract more visitors and deepen exchanges between the two places.”
With the addition of the Kumamoto route, Hong Kong Airlines now operates 10 flights a week to the Kyushu region, including daily flights on the Fukuoka route. This expanded schedule offers optimal departure and arrival times, providing travelers with increased flexibility to plan seamless itineraries, especially when coordinating trans-Pacific trips.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
