Today marks a special day for Hong Kong Airlines and Sanya Phoenix International Airport ("Phoenix Airport") as they come together to celebrate the much-anticipated resumption of daily flights to Sanya and the successful relaunch of the airport's international terminal. To make the occasion even more memorable, the celebration was timed to coincide with the 26th Anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR and the 29th Anniversary of Phoenix Airport on 1st July.
To commemorate the launch of the new passenger terminal and welcome Hong Kong Airlines' first flight, a grand celebratory event took place at the Phoenix Airport. Senior management from Hong Kong Airlines, Legislative Council member Mr Perry Yiu Pak-Leung, Assistant Commissioner for Tourism Ms Trinky Chan, and other esteemed guests from the travel industry were aboard the first flight HX161. All passengers arrived in Sanya around noon time and received a warm welcome at Phoenix Airport, making everyone feel right at home.
The resumption of HKA’s daily flight and the new terminal at Phoenix Airport signal the recovery of the aviation industry from the pandemic, paving the way for robust growth. These developments contribute to the growth of the tourism industry, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen connections between the two regions, further establishing an aerial bridge between Hong Kong’s international financial centre and Hainan’s free trade port.
Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Hou Wei said: "Hong Kong Airlines is proud to be the first airline to operate in the newly expanded and modernised international terminal of Phoenix Airport. Since our inaugural service to Sanya in 2007, this city has been one of our key destinations. We are delighted to reconnect with the city as we rebuild our network. Coupled with our daily direct service to Haikou, we have established our presence in Hainan and demonstrated our commitment to the province. I am confident that by collaborating closely with the local authorities and businesses, we can forge stronger bonds between these two amazing tourism and culture hubs and contribute to their economic growth."
"We feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to resume this route just in time for the anniversary celebration of the Sanya airport, creating an atmosphere of happiness and excitement for everyone involved. As one of the local carriers, we are dedicated to offering our customers with more travel options by gradually resuming service to cover more destinations, all thanks to our recently expanded A330 fleet."
A spokesperson for Sanya Airport stated: “The newly expanded Sanya Airport International Terminal commenced operations today, and the resumption of flights between Hong Kong and Sanya holds significant importance for the economic and tourism development of both regions. Sanya Airport will accelerate the progress of restoring international (regional) passenger routes, by adjusting the international (regional) passenger flight protection zones, formulating special protection plans, refining protection details and customs clearance procedures, testing protection systems, and conducting a series of preparatory work, such as simulation exercises, to continuously enhance the support capabilities for international flights and port service functions."
In the coming months of July and August, Hong Kong Airlines looks forward to increasing flight frequency and providing passengers a wider range of travel options by operating services to nine destinations in Mainland China and 14 regional destinations. The airline will also continue to adjust its flight schedule to offer the best travel and transit options for all, catering to both business and leisure travellers.