HONG KONG, CHINA. In a powerful statement of confidence in the future of the Special Administrative Region’s aviation and tourism sectors, new Hong Kong carrier Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has placed an order for 15 Boeing 737-9 aircraft.
The deal includes a commitment to add five 787 Dreamliners to support the carrier’s plan to launch international long-haul routes.
Greater Bay Airlines, which commenced scheduled service in July 2022, plans to develop an extensive network of air services to major cities in Asia and Mainland China, benefiting from the opening of the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport due to be completed in late 2024.
The 737-9 jets will form the backbone of GBA’s future fleet as it adds more routes.
The airline currently operates three leased Boeing 737-800 jets to four destinations: Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul. GBA is also eyeing several additional 737-800s to meet its expansion needs before the delivery of the 737-9 aircraft.
GBA Chairman Wong Cho Bau said: “The 737-9 will allow GBA to open up new routes from Hong Kong with unmatched economics. The new order will bring fantastic growth possibilities to GBA and enable us to strive for excellence in an innovative way for our valued customers.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal said: “GBA’s commitment for 737-9s is a major endorsement of our 737 MAX family and its ability to serve new markets.
“The 737-9 will provide GBA with unmatched efficiency and reliability and lower operating costs, while continuing to provide a premium on-board experience for its passengers.” ✈
Footnote: Airport Authority Hong Kong is hosting The Trinity Forum 2023 on 24-25 October. The world’s leading airport commercial revenues conference is owned by The Moodie Davitt Report and organised with Airports Council International (ACI) and Airports Council International Asia-Pacific.
