Greater Bay Airlines Sets Bangkok For Maiden Flight

Startup carrier Greater Bay Airlines has confirmed that its maiden passenger flight will take off on Saturday, to Bangkok.

According to the Airport Authority, flight HB660 will depart at 10:30am.

The airline – founded by mainland tycoon Bill Wong – declined to comment on the booking situation for the flight, citing commercial reasons.

The carrier said it will initially fly to Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport twice a week, and it is planning to add other destinations.

"We are in the process of applying for operating permits from related aviation authorities, and we shall share more information once we received the required confirmation," said an airline spokeswoman.

She added that Hong Kong should scrap or shorten its seven-day hotel quarantine requirement, as it could deter residents from travelling for leisure purposes.

"We sincerely hope that the HKSAR government may consider shortening the quarantine period or cancelling the quarantine requirement as soon as possible. This is a crucial demand from the aviation and tourism industry," the spokeswoman said.