Hong Kong Airlines has launched a new route to Xining in Qinghai province, one of eight newly added mainland Chinese cities to a solo traveller scheme.
The carrier said on Friday it would offer two flights per week to the mainland city from July 9.
It added the new service was prompted by Beijing’s decision last month to allow residents from Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi to visit Hong Kong without the need to join a tour group.
Calls have been mounting for local airlines to roll out more direct flights to the newly added cities as only five locations currently have non-stop flights to Hong Kong. They are Taiyuan, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Harbin and Urumqi.
Hong Kong Airlines said the exclusive direct flight service to Xining from July would further strengthen connectivity between Hong Kong and the mainland.
“Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing more travel options,” the carrier said. “The airline aims to support the nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, solidify its position in global trade and commerce and play a crucial role in bolstering Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.”
The Belt and Road Initiative is the nation’s trade strategy to connect more than 70 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa via a “New Silk Road” of railways, highways and ports.
Xining is situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, serving as a key gateway linking China’s eastern and western regions, including Tibet.
Economically, the city is the primary centre of Qinghai province, contributing significantly to the region’s agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors.
It also plays a pivotal role in fostering economic and trade relations between Qinghai and Tibet, an important cultural hub.
Travellers can experience the fusion of eastern and western Chinese cultures in Xining and use it as a starting point for exploring Tibet.
Attractions in the region include the renowned Kumbum Monastery, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, famously known as the “Mirror of the Sky”.
In December 2022, Hong Kong’s High Court approved a HK$49 billion (US$6.3 billion) debt restructuring plan to keep the airline afloat.
Industry players had called for more direct flights to eight mainland cities recently added to the scheme, after Beijing introduced favourable measures to boost the local economy.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau also earlier highlighted joint efforts with the Airport Authority to engage local and mainland airlines to start or expand services between Hong Kong and those cities.
