Rapidly Expanding Aviation Giant on a Global Scale
HK Express Soars as Fastest-Growing Airline in 2024
HK Express, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, has been recognised as the fastest-growing airline of 2024 by global travel data provider OAG. This impressive achievement is attributed to the airline's strategic focus on cost efficiency and the favourable operational environment at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
According to HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao, cost efficiency was key to their growth. By maintaining a low-cost operating model, the airline has been able to offer competitive pricing and expand in a highly competitive market.
The expansion of airport capacity at HKG also played a significant role in HK Express's growth. The commissioning of the new Three-Runway System (3RS) in November 2024 increased flight movement capacity, enabling more simultaneous operations and boosting flight frequencies and new routes for airlines like HK Express.
The airline benefits from the overall rebound in HK airport traffic, which has recovered to about 85% of pre-pandemic levels. With access to expanding markets, especially in Asia, destinations like Phu Quoc and Hangzhou have seen significant seat increases from HKG.
Strategic route development has also been a contributing factor. The increased international traffic and new long-haul services such as Delta’s planned nonstop Hong Kong-Los Angeles flights (starting mid-2026) reflect broader demand growth around HKG, which benefits local carriers like HK Express by increasing connectivity and passenger volumes.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport also experienced significant growth in 2024, being named the fastest-growing airport by OAG. Seat capacity at the airport increased nearly 10 million to over 47 million year-on-year. The busiest day of the year was August 2, with airline seat capacity reaching a record 19,278,320.
HK Express operates a fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, including A320s and A321s. The airline has earned a reputation for maintaining high safety standards and on-time performance.
In 2024, HK Express increased its flight count by 46%, growing from 23,940 flights in 2023 to 35,015. This surge in operations was attributed to an expanded network and additional fleet capacity.
On New Year's Eve, HK Express celebrated a special milestone with its six-millionth customer, Ms. Wan, a passenger on a flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Fukuoka.
As HK Express continues to grow, it is poised to play a significant role in connecting Asia's expanding markets and contributing to the recovery of the global aviation industry.
[1] HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao interview, 2024. [2] Airports Council International, 2024. [3] Delta Air Lines press release, 2024. [4] OAG data, 2024.
The growth of HK Express, the fastest-growing airline in 2024, is not only due to its strategic focus on cost efficiency but also the expansion of the airport industry, evident in the commissioning of the new Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport. This expansion has allowed for increased flight movement capacity, boosting flight frequencies and new routes for airlines like HK Express.
The finance sector also plays a crucial role in the airline's growth, as the low-cost operating model enables HK Express to offer competitive pricing and expand in a highly competitive market. The airline's growth is further supported by the rebound in HK airport traffic and the expansion of markets, especially in Asia, thus increasing connectivity and passenger volumes.
