HK Express To Ground All Flights For Several Weeks

HK Express announced on Friday that it will be suspending all its services from March 23 to April 30, citing weak travel demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The low-cost carrier, owned by Cathay Pacific, said in a statement that it will operate no flights to its two dozen destinations during this period.

It noted that the SAR government and authorities across the region have implemented various travel restrictions, and said this had led to a significant decline in the number of people travelling.

CEO Mandy Ng said it was a very difficult decision to make, but staying afloat is key to overriding the ongoing challenge.

The airline said it plans to resume services from May 1 and would continue to sell tickets for flights departing from this date onwards.

HK Express had already cancelled many flights before Friday's announcement.

It usually operates flights from Hong Kong to multiple destinations in Japan, as well around a dozen other places in the region, including cities in South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Transport Secretary Frank Chan said the move to totally suspend flights was understandable.

"We are given to understand that the company will take good care of its passengers and also its staff," Chan said.

Civic Party lawmaker and pilot Jeremy Tam said there is an urgent need for the government to provide financial support for the aviation industry.

"What the government should do is increase the subsidies for all the service charges, for example parking fees," Tam said, adding that past landing fees should be refunded and some rents waived.