Hong Kong’s HK Express crowned ‘fastest-growing airline of 2024’

HK Express, the budget arm of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways, has been crowned the world’s “fastest-growing airline of 2024” after recording a 40 per cent increase in passenger numbers over 2023, taking the total to 6 million.

The number of flights operated by the carrier last year also increased by 46 per cent from 2023 to 35,015, partly due to the expansion of the airline’s network and fleet, global travel data provider OAG said.

Some experts said they expected low-cost airlines to enjoy a boost in business throughout the year as the strength of the Hong Kong dollar could encourage more residents to travel abroad.

In aviation analyst Cirium’s recent On-Time Performance Review, HK Express dropped out of the top 10 most punctual low-cost carriers.

Dr Andrew Yuen Chi-lok, executive director of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Aviation Policy Research Centre, said a strong rebound in outbound travel after the Covid-19 pandemic had helped the airline rapidly recover.

“HK Express has established a comprehensive network in Japan, making it a favoured choice for travellers seeking leisure opportunities,” he said.