Hong Kong Airlines to cut Los Angeles route amid financial concerns
Hong Kong Airlines' ongoing financial troubles have forced the carrier to cut one of its U.S. routes. The airline said on Monday that under pressure from the Hong Kong government, it will end its route between Hong Kong and Los Angeles (LAX).
As of 8 February 2020, the carrier will cancel the route to LAX. The last flights will operate between the two cities as HX068 and HX069. According to a press release, the carrier said that it will offer alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers.
Additionally, the carrier said that it will continue to monitor the market demand in case it needs to suspend the route sooner than early February.
The move is part of a series of operational adjustments in order to cut costs. In addition to the Los Angeles cancellation, the carrier is also cutting its current operation by around 6%, forcing it to further adjust frequencies to some of the destinations in its network.
The airline is adjusting its frequencies between Hong Kong (HKG) and Vancouver (YVR), Osaka (KIX), Okinawa (OKA), Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), Haikou (HAK), Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG) and Bangkok (BKK). The airline said that will be contacting affected customers.
"Hong Kong Airlines has been operating in a challenging business environment for some time," the carrier said in a press release. "In addition to strong competition and overcapacity in the market, the recurring protests in Hong Kong since June have also affected travel demand, further impacting its business and revenue."
As reported by the South China Morning Post, last week, Hong Kong's Air Licensing Transport Authority warned that it would impose measures if the airline's financial situation did not improve. In conjunction with the country's Civil Aviation Department, the two groups concluded that measures needed to be taken following a Nov. 1 meeting with the airline's management team.
"It is hoped that this will help improve the operation of Hong Kong Airlines," the government said in a statement following the airline's reduction in frequencies.
In July, the carrier announced plans to suspend its Hong Kong to San Francisco (SFO) route, which took effect in October.
Airlines changing routes and service isn't uncommon, but if your travel plans have been impacted be sure to contact the airline and take advantage of the offer to rebook or refund your tickets. Situations like this are also why its always best to book your travel with a credit card that offers travel protection.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.