3/10/2004: Hong Kong's HK Express is Founded

DALLAS — Today, in 2004, Hong Kong-based low-cost carrier HK Express (UO) was founded. UO is owned by Cathay Pacific Airways (CX).

Cambodia, China, Japan, South Korea, the Northern Mariana Islands, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the destinations served by the airline. 

The airline's main hub is at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and its fleet is comprised entirely of Airbus A320 family aircraft.

Macau casino billionaire Stanley Ho founded the airline. Helicopter operator Heli Hong Kong planned to purchase several fixed-wing aircraft and rebrand as Hong Kong Express.

Launch

The company purchased four 76-seat Embraer E170 jets, the first of which arrived in July 2005. This allowed UO to commence charter services on September 3, 2005. Its first scheduled flight departed Hong Kong International (HKG) bound for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

In August 2006, the HNA Group purchased a 45% shareholding in the airline. UO added new routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and several Japanese destinations. 

That same year, it ordered six Boeing 737-800s to facilitate this growth and replace the E170s. Its first example arrived in January 2007, and UO would operate ten of the type.

Low-Cost Move

In June 2013, UO announced its intention to rebrand as HK Express, a low-cost airline. A new livery was unveiled on January 21, 2014, incorporating elements of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour and skyline. This coincided with the introduction of the Airbus A320.

In March 2019, CX announced it was in "active discussions" to purchase UO. The deal, valued at HK$2.25 billion, was confirmed shortly afterward. The acquisition led to UO withdrawing from the regional airline alliance 'U-Fly,' of which it was a founding member.

Since the takeover, UO has continued to operate as a standalone airline. Today, the carrier has a fleet of eight Airbus A320ceos, nine A320neos, and 11 A321ceos. It also has 16 A321neos on order.

On an interesting final note, UO paid tribute to Bruce Lee – legendary international mega movie star – by naming its fifth A321 aircraft (aircraft registration number: B-LEE) “Siu Loong” to inspire travelers to embody his fighting spirit in transcending cultural borders.

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