Hong Kong Airlines confirms order for 10 A380s

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Hong Kong Airlines is discussing with Airbus to take over the A380 slots that were previously filled by Australia's Qantas Airways.

 

Earlier this year, Qantas deferred its order for six A380s, which it was due to receive in 2014, to be delivered between 2018 and 2012.

 

The aircraft may be taken over by Hong Kong Airlines, which is keen to order the aircraft to increase its capacity on its long-haul routes, said an industry source close to the company.

 

This may be part of a bigger order for 10 A380s, which was placed by China's HNA Group, Hong Kong Airlines' parent company that also owns mainland carrier, Hainan Airlines.

 

The remaining A380s may be placed with Hong Kong Airlines or operated by Hainan Airlines itself, the source said.

 

Airbus said at the Paris Airshow in June this year it had signed a tentative agreement for 10 A380s with an undisclosed customer.

 

Sources later told Flightglobal the customer was Hong Kong Airlines, although neither the carrier nor the airframer confirmed the information.

 

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hong-kong-airlines-eyes-qantas-a380-slots-364313/

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Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed an order for 10 Airbus A380 aircraft at a list price of $3.8 billion.

 

The airline signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the aircraft at the Paris Air Show in June 2011, but the deal was only confirmed last month, said a spokeswoman.

 

With the new aircraft, due to be delivered from 2015, the carrier will introduce long-haul services to destinations including Paris, London and Sydney, she added.

 

Airbus said at the Paris Air Show it signed a tentative agreement for 10 A380s with an undisclosed customer.

 

Industry sources told Flightglobal Pro in November 2011 that Hong Kong Airlines was discussing with Airbus to take over the A380 slots that were previously filled by Australia's Qantas Airways.

 

Qantas has deferred the delivery of six A380s, which it was due to receive in 2014.

 

 

Source

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Hong Kong Airlines considering cancelling A380 order

Posted: 16 August 2012 Thursday | 1947 hrs

 

KONG: Hong Kong Airlines said Thursday it was considering cancelling a US$3.8 billion order for 10 Airbus A380 superjumbos, which would deal a blow to the under-pressure European airplane maker.

 

"There are no firm decisions at this point. It will depend on how the business and the external environment evolves in the future," a Hong Kong Airlines spokesman told AFP.

 

Cancellation of the order would be a blow to Europe's Airbus and its parent company, EADS, following the discovery of cracks in the wings of several of the A380s.

 

EADS chief executive Tom Enders said last month he expected deliveries of A380s next year to be less than the 30 that the company had been anticipating as a result of airlines putting orders on hold while the crack issue is resolved.

 

The manufacturer also says it is being hurt by a row between Brussels and Beijing over a European carbon tax.

 

Airlines flying to, from or within the European Union are required to monitor CO2 emissions for entire journeys and, if necessary, pay for exceeding their carbon allowances.

 

China has blocked purchases of Airbus long-haul jets by Chinese companies in retaliation to the tax, EADS says.

 

Hong Kong Airlines, the third biggest carrier in the southern Chinese city based on passenger numbers, has recently cut long-haul flights to Moscow and announced the suspension of all-business class flights to London.

 

Executives say their strategy is to focus on short-haul regional routes between Hong Kong and other leisure destinations in Asia, including Thailand's Phuket, China's Sanya and Japan's Osaka.

 

The airline says it intends to replace older Boeing 737s in its fleet with new Airbus A320s as they become available.

 

The spokesman, who declined to give his name, said Hong Kong Airlines would eventually have an "all Airbus" fleet.

 

"This will provide cost efficiencies in service and management," he said.

 

The airline says it is considering either a share listing or a merger with mainland China-based sister carrier Hainan Airlines.

 

Hong Kong regulators last month ordered the airline to suspend its fleet expansion, limiting the types of aircraft it can operate until it meets safety requirements for large-fleet operators.

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/1220483/1/.html