Search Results fortrans-Pacific
Hong Kong Airlines builds trans-Pacific network with new non-stop SFO service
Hong Kong Airlines continues to up its credibility as a serious trans-Pacific player, having launched a new service to San Francisco this weekend. The City by the Bay is the airline's third destination in North America, following the launch of services to Vancouver and Los Angeles in 2017. The airline was founded in 2001 as CR Airways and operated a Sikorsky S-76, American four-blade helicopter. In 2003 they launched their first airline service and started to build out short-haul hubs in China, the Philippines and Cambodia. The company was purchased by Hainan Airlines in 2006 and its first long-haul service, to Moscow, began in 2010. HKA hasn't slowed down since, adding services to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America and it now flies to more than 30 global destinations with more than 35 aircraft. The new San Francisco service uses the new Airbus A350, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, and one of the most efficient. It's a carbon fibre two-engine wide-body craft, also popular with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Hong Kong Airlines will now operate flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco four-times weekly at the following schedule (all times local): Flight Number Route Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency (25 March 2018 – 30 June 2018) HX060 Hong Kong to San Francisco 1300 1015 Mon 1310 1045 Wed, Fri, Sun HX061 San Francisco to Hong Kong 1230 1735+1 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun This means HKA is now in direct competition with Cathay who currently operate three daily flights between the cities. Singapore Airlines and United Airlines also offer daily service. A quick check across all four carriers reveals that Hong Kong Airlines offer the most competitive fares by a huge margin. I found economy roundtrip seats on the route at US$837, 25% less than the cheapest fare available on Cathay Pacific on the same dates: U$1127. Business Class has an even greater gap: Hong Kong Airlines' lowest fares were US$2961, while Cathay's lowest offer for the same dates came in at 50% higher at $5659.
Korean Air creates trans-Pacific JV with Delta
Korean Air has reached an agreement with Delta Air Lines to create a trans-Pacific joint venture between the US and Asia. The new arrangement between the two SkyTeam alliance partners marks the latest stage of a decades-old partnership, and will allow the carriers to coordinate their operations and share revenues on routes across the Pacific. First announced in March when Korean Air and Delta signed a memorandum of understanding, the new joint venture will include expanded codesharing on trans-Pacific routes, joint sales and marketing initiatives in Asia and the US, co-location at key airports with improved passenger and baggage transit processes, and additional frequent flyer benefits. "Together, Delta and Korean Air are building a world-class partnership that will offer more destinations, outstanding airport facilities and an unmatched customer experience on the trans-Pacific," said Ed Bastian, Delta's CEO. "By combining the strengths of our two companies, we are building a stronger airline for our employees, customers and investors." Korean Air's chairman, YH Cho, added; "Now is the right time for this JV. The synergies we're creating will build stronger and more sustainable companies, and this is good for travellers, our companies and our countries." The joint venture will create a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and 80 in Asia. The two airlines will also share costs and revenues on flights. To prepare for the joint venture, Delta recently launched new direct service between Atlanta and Seoul. And later this summer, Korean Air will introduce a third daily flight between Los Angeles and Seoul and a second service between San Francisco and the Korean capital.
Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route
Virgin Australia's business class cabin Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles. The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at LAX at 0900. The return flight then departed at 2055 and arrived back in Melbourne at 0545 on Thursday morning. The service will now run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, aboard Virgin Australia's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which is equipped with 37 flat-bed seats and a bar in business class. "Los Angeles and North America is an important market for us and through our partnership with Delta Air Lines, we offer passengers 25 return flights per week across the Pacific and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer business class guests lie-flat beds with direct aisle access on all services," said Virgin Australia's group executive, John Thomas. Delta will codeshare on the new route, and passengers of both airlines will be able to earn frequent flyer points. This week, Travel Daily chatted to Virgin Australia's chief executive, John Borghetti. CLICK HERE to read the interview.
Delta launches first-ever nonstop route from Salt Lake City to Seoul
Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025. Delta is boosting its global footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) on June 12, 2025. This route—the only direct flight linking Salt Lake City to Asia—will provide seamless connections to key destinations across Asia for travelers throughout the Mountain West and Southwest U.S. regions. Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350, along with modern amenities at SLC’s recently upgraded terminal and the expansive Delta Sky Club, ensuring a smooth and comfortable trans-Pacific journey. “The launch of Salt Lake City to Seoul service offers customers convenient access to Delta’s growing global network and ensures that virtually all U.S. demand is connected to Seoul via nonstop or one-stop service,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “As Salt Lake City continues to grow as a vital Delta hub, our strong joint venture with Korean Air allows us to offer unmatched connectivity between the U.S. and Asia, leveraging strong hubs on both sides. This ensures that customers, including those in the interior U.S., have access not just to Seoul but to key destinations across Asia." Delta’s leading position at Salt Lake City As Delta’s fifth direct U.S. route to Seoul, the new SLC-ICN flight joins Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle in connecting U.S. travelers to Asia. With this addition, Delta—together with partner Korean Air—offers access to Seoul from 14 U.S. gateways, providing the most extensive reach across Asia through the ICN hub compared to any other trans-Pacific joint venture. This route also further solidifies Delta’s position as the largest long-haul foreign carrier at Incheon, enhancing its already unmatched reach across Asia. Lee Hag-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, shared, “I’m confident that Incheon Airport will continue to grow as a global hub through our partnership with Delta Air Lines. Together, we aim to set the standard for airline partnerships, sharing a vision of leading the global aviation market as a top-tier airport and airline.” This historic route solidifies Delta’s leadership in Salt Lake City, where it operates more flights than all other carriers combined. Delta’s robust presence includes nearly 250 peak-day departures to more than 90 destinations worldwide, featuring nonstop service to other international cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Mexico City, among others. 2
Jetstar Soars to Second Place as Brisbane Airport Hits Pre-COVID Passenger Numbers
Jetstar has ascended to become the second largest international carrier at Brisbane Airport, which has now reached 95% of its total pre-COVID passenger numbers. The low-cost airline now trails only Qantas, having grown by a staggering 149% internationally in Brisbane over the past year. This growth is largely attributed to a significant increase in flights to Asia and enhanced services to Auckland. “Queenslanders have embraced Jetstar’s low fares, with all of the new route launches from Brisbane Airport receiving strong support. This has propelled the airline from being Brisbane’s seventh biggest international carrier to number two,” said Ryan Both, Executive General Manager of Aviation at Brisbane Airport. In the 2024 financial year, Brisbane saw a total of 22.6 million passengers, including 5.6 million international and 17 million domestic passengers. This represents a recovery of 89% and 97% on FY19 levels respectively. “We know more Queenslanders have been ticking off their bucket lists, but importantly we’re also seeing more international tourists visiting the state. That’s good news for the state’s tourism regions from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and the Outback,” Both added. Brisbane now offers flights to 32 international destinations, just one shy of its pre-COVID high of 33. Major US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are planning direct flights to Brisbane this year, joining United, Air Canada, and Qantas in trans-Pacific services. “We are eagerly looking forward to the launch of American Airlines direct from Dallas and Delta from Los Angeles,” said Both. “By the end of the year there will be five major carriers serving the North American market, providing a historic level of options and competition across the Pacific.” Last June, Jetstar announced a major increase in its international services out of Brisbane, including shifting its Tokyo (Narita) service from the Gold Coast, commencing new direct flights from Brisbane to Osaka and Seoul (Incheon), and increasing the frequency of its existing flights to Bali and Auckland. Steph Tully, CEO of Jetstar, thanked the Queensland government and Brisbane Airport for their support via the state’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF). “The new partnership with Brisbane Airport has unlocked about half a million new seats between Brisbane and some of the most popular international destinations on our network,” Tully said. Jetstar also recently announced plans to launch Brisbane-Bangkok flights by the end of the year, further expanding its international footprint and bringing even more tourists to the sunshine state from Japan, South Korea, and across the Tasman.
Delta appoints Matteo Curcio as senior vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India
Delta Air Lines has appointed Matteo Curcio as its new Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI). Based in Paris, Curcio will be responsible for overseeing all commercial activities across the EMEAI region while further developing long-term growth opportunities with Delta’s joint venture partners Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic. Since joining Delta in 2006, Curcio has held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility across the company including trans-Atlantic network planning, alliance strategy, and establishing joint venture and bi-lateral partnerships across the globe. Making the announcement, Alain Bellemare, President-International said: “Matteo’s outstanding commercial record, combined with his experience forging world-class partnerships, will build a stronger and more competitive future for Delta in the EMEAI region.” Prior to his promotion to Senior Vice President, Curcio served as Vice President-Asia Pacific, where he was instrumental in implementing our successful joint venture with Korean Air. In addition, Matteo spent more than seven years leading Delta’s commercial transformation in the Asia Pacific region, including significant expansion of our trans-Pacific network in Korea, Japan, and China. He began his career with KPMG Consulting in Rome, Italy, as a Business Strategy Consultant and worked at the former Italian flag carrier Alitalia S.P.A. in network planning, revenue management and corporate strategy. Originally from Naples, Italy, Curcio has a B.A. in Economics from the Universita’ degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.
United Airlines Makes Its Landing In Brisbane
United Airlines’ debut flight from San Francisco to Brisbane landed on Saturday, making it the first American airline to offer regular, non-stop service between the US mainland and Queensland. Flight UA96 will depart SFO at 11:20 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in BNE at 6:30 am local time on each of those days. Return flight UA97 will leave BNE at 10:30 am and land in SFO at 6:40 am on the same day. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be utilised for this flight by the airline. The first trans-Pacific flight occurred between these two cities nearly a century before the new service began. “In 1928, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew became the first to fly across the Pacific from San Francisco to Brisbane. Ninety-four years later, the route they pioneered will now deliver thousands of tourists to Queensland,” Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said. “That first pioneering journey took 83 hours and 38 minutes, and now it’s a 13-hour 45-minute flight. And the historic Southern Cross aircraft sits opposite our International Terminal where United Airlines docked this morning.” United Airlines’ Patrick Quayle, SVP of global network planning and alliances, conveyed his company’s delight in partnering with the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport to launch the flights and become “the first US airline to add a new transpacific destination to its global network since the start of the pandemic.” “United has a long history in Australia, and with our new partnership with Virgin Australia, now is the ideal time to expand our service and offer additional convenient flight options to our customers on both sides of the Pacific,” Quayle said. According to Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, the service is the first to get funding from Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, hoping to revitalise the state’s $6 billion international visitor industry. “United Airlines from San Francisco alone is predicted to contribute $27 million to the State’s visitor economy and an extra 40,000 inbound seats, supporting 260 good Queensland jobs,” he added. Australians flying to the US will now be able to connect to more than 80 destinations across North America via United’s SFO hub, thanks to the new route. US Consulate General Christine Elder, who was present when the first flight landed, expressed her desire to see a large number of Americans travel to Australia and many Australians to the United States to experience all that it has to offer. The new United Airlines route between the United States and Australia will open up countless opportunities for connections, which will make it easier for thousands of people to travel between our countries. United Airlines has announced that starting on 14 December; it would boost its frequency of flights between Sydney and San Francisco to ten per week.
Qantas Removes The A380 From Melbourne-Los Angeles
According to the most recent wave of schedule changes washing across Qantas’ calendar, anyone intending to travel first class on the superjumbo next year between Melbourne and Los Angeles may have crushed their dreams of high flying. This indicates that the airline will not introduce the Airbus A380 into the trans-Pacific route beginning in late March of 2023 as previously scheduled. The reliable Boeing 787 Dreamliner now takes up the QF93/QF94 daily slot. Business class and premium economy seats on the A380 and Dreamliner are interchangeable. Still, the 787 lacks the superjumbo’s 14 first-class suites and the upper deck “premium lounges” where business and first-class passengers may unwind with a drink. Qantas’ downsizing to the Dreamliner will add more pressure to the ongoing capacity squeeze caused by a mismatch between the number of travellers and the number of available seats in the sky, as the double-decker A380 carries significantly more passengers than the Boeing 787, including an extra 28 business class seats and a double-sized premium economy cabin. Also, starting in late March, if you have a connecting flight, especially to the US east coast, it may be a challenge; QF93’s departure will be in the late evenings, departing Melbourne at 8.25 pm and arriving at LAX at 5.45 pm. According to the market update released on10 October, Qantas said that the move was part of a “cautious approach to scheduling” designed to ensure that more planes could be “called upon to prevent delays and cancellations.” Qantas and Jetstar said they would have as many as ten narrow-body, six wide-bodies, and four regional aircraft available at the time. The extra expense is anticipated to be short-lived, and the capacity may be brought back gradually as confidence grows. While five further superjumbos are expected back in the Qantas hangars by December 2023, the few that have already returned from desert slumber are still being used on the company’s principal Sydney-Los Angeles and Sydney-London routes. The QF37/QF38 service between Melbourne and Singapore has been reduced to three weekly flights as part of the same batch of schedule modifications, while the resumption of Sydney’s service to San Francisco has been postponed until May.
Member deals from Aeroplan for Air Canada’s direct flights to Thailand
Aeroplan, Canada's travel loyalty program, is celebrating Air Canada's first-ever non-stop service to Southeast Asia with a week of extra, exclusive, member-only deals on direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand. “This unprecedented offer means more Aeroplan members can experience Thailand,” said Mark Nasr, senior vice president, Products, Marketing and eCommerce at Air Canada. “This week of special deals is another way Aeroplan continues to deliver value for member loyalty with premium, exclusive experiences, which our members can expect to see more of later this year.” On now and until 6 September, Aeroplan members can redeem special offers on all Air Canada flights to Bangkok, departing between 9 January and 17 April 2023. The deals start at 45,000* Aeroplan points one-way from Vancouver, with flights from the rest of Canada available starting at 50,000 Aeroplan points one-way. Air Canada announced this summer it would begin offering direct flights to Bangkok as of December 1, 2022. Operating from Air Canada's trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport, the new, seasonal route marks the carrier’s first non-stop service to Southeast Asia, and is currently the only direct route available from North America to Thailand. Aeroplan points are redeemable for every available seat on Air Canada flights to more than 1,300 destinations across the globe, and for travel with upwards of 40 airline partners – more than any other travel rewards program in the world. Aeroplan members can use their points to enhance their entire travel experience, including onboard Wi-Fi, hotels and car rentals, with even more exciting benefits to come later this year. And with Aeroplan Family Sharing, families can easily combine points at no cost to get where they want to go, sooner. The base redemption for a flight to Thailand can be as little as 45,000 points but it’s not available on every flight. This promotion makes it much more broadly available. Daily deals are limited and will go fast. Aeroplan members can book now at aircanada.com.
Singapore Airlines and DHL Express partner for Boeing Freighter Aircraft
DHL Express has welcomed the arrival of its Boeing 777 freighter at Singapore Changi Airport. The freighter, which sports a dual DHL-Singapore Airlines (SIA) livery, has a maximum capacity of 102 tonnes. SIA will operate it on routes to the United States of America via South Korea thrice weekly from August 2022. Robert Hyslop, Executive Vice President for Aviation, DHL Express, said: “Our global DHL Express aviation network consists of a combination of owned and partner airlines, which allows us to respond to increasing customer demand with agility and flexibility. The new Boeing 777 freighter demonstrates our ongoing effort to strengthen our network and adjust flight routes, as well as lower our carbon emissions to achieve greener logistics. Singapore Airlines’ expertise in flight operations will enable us to better meet our customers’ needs in cross-border commerce, as we leverage the strategic location of our South Asia Hub in Singapore.” Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, SIA, said: “SIA’s longstanding partnership with DHL reinforces Singapore’s position as a key air cargo and e-commerce logistics hub, and highlights our firm commitment to our cargo business. Air cargo also plays a vital role in keeping global supply chains open. Apart from supporting the fast-growing e-commerce segment, this new freighter operation provides a foundation to expand the partnership between SIA and DHL in the future.” Christy Reese, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific, Boeing, said: “We are thrilled that the partnership between DHL and Singapore Airlines will be predicated on the strength of Boeing 777 Freighters. The versatile 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, most capable twin-engine freighter and can fly long-range trans-Pacific missions in excess of 6,000 nautical miles with 20 percent more payload than other large freighters like the 747-400F. The airplane, which is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 102 tonnes, will deliver superior tonne-per-mile economics for DHL and Singapore Airlines as they look to sustainably address increased demand in the global air freight market.” In March 2022, DHL Express and SIA signed a Crew and Maintenance agreement to deploy five Boeing 777 freighters. These freighters will be operated by SIA pilots, with the maintenance overseen by SIA. The second Boeing 777 freighter is slated to enter into service in November 2022, following which both freighters will operate the Singapore-Incheon-Los Angeles-Honolulu-Singapore route six times weekly. The remaining three freighters are planned for delivery throughout 2023. Following this, all five freighters will operate on routes between the United States and Singapore via points in North Asia and Australia.
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