Hong Kong Airlines Begins Daily Service to Sydney, Ushering in a New Chapter for Australia–Hong Kong Connectivity
Sydney, 24 June 2025 – Hong Kong Airlines has officially launched a landmark daily flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, significantly enhancing tourism, trade, and economic exchange between the two thriving Asia-Pacific cities. The inaugural flight HX017 touched down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on June 21 at 9:30 AM, welcomed with a celebratory reception attended by airline executives, government leaders, and tourism officials from both New South Wales (NSW) and Hong Kong.
The new direct service underscores the growing importance of Asia-Pacific connectivity and marks a pivotal milestone in Hong Kong Airlines’ global expansion. The daily flights are expected to increase capacity on the Sydney–Hong Kong route by nearly 20%, bringing in more than 100,000 additional seats annually and reinforcing Sydney’s status as a key international aviation hub.
A Strategic Collaboration for Economic Growth
This breakthrough in air connectivity comes after extensive coordination between Destination NSW, Sydney Airport, and Hong Kong Airlines. It is also bolstered by a significant bilateral agreement between the Australian and Hong Kong governments—marking the first expansion in air traffic rights between the two regions in nearly 20 years.
“This is a major win for our tourism and trade sectors,” stated NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper. “In 2024, visitors from Hong Kong injected $309 million into NSW’s economy. With the daily flight now operational, we anticipate an even greater economic contribution. The agreement represents our strategic focus on unlocking high-value international markets.”
Estimates from tourism bodies project that the new route could generate as much as AUD 120 million in economic benefits annually. These gains span across sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail, and professional services.
Elevating the Airline’s Global Footprint
Founded in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines has steadily evolved from a regional carrier to an internationally recognized airline with an expanding global network. This new Sydney route is central to the airline’s post-pandemic transformation, offering competitive travel options between Greater China and Oceania.
Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, highlighted the significance of the new launch: “Sydney is not only an economic powerhouse, but also one of the world’s top travel destinations. Our daily service reflects our commitment to expanding long-haul routes that benefit both leisure and business travelers.”
The airline is deploying its modern Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the route, configured with 292 seats—32 in Business Class and 260 in Economy. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a range of premium services including lie-flat seats in Business Class, diverse meal options, multilingual entertainment, and attentive inflight service.
Strengthening a 75-Year Aviation Partnership
The Sydney–Hong Kong route is one of the oldest aviation corridors in the Asia-Pacific region, with commercial flights beginning as early as 1949. In 2024 alone, over 850,000 passengers traveled between the two cities, making Hong Kong Sydney’s third-busiest route, after Singapore and Auckland.
Hong Kong Airlines’ addition to this well-traveled corridor is expected to further boost passenger numbers and provide greater flexibility for travelers connecting to other Asian and European destinations via Hong Kong International Airport.
The daily service also supports the NSW Government’s broader aviation strategy, which aims to add 8.5 million international inbound seats over the coming years. The enhanced air link is a cornerstone of efforts to restore Sydney’s global aviation standing and build economic resilience through increased international access.
Tourism on the Rise: A Dual-Destination Strategy
Hong Kong Airlines’ new route is expected to deliver strong returns for both inbound and outbound tourism. While Australian travelers gain access to Hong Kong’s dynamic urban culture, culinary offerings, and business opportunities, tourists from Hong Kong are now better positioned to explore New South Wales’ diverse attractions—from Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley wine region.
Destination NSW plans to partner with Hong Kong Airlines on targeted marketing campaigns to promote extended travel itineraries and cultural exchange. These campaigns will emphasize experiences that appeal to both solo travelers and family groups, from nature-based adventures to Indigenous heritage tourism.
“As travel demand rebounds, we’re seeing strong interest from Asia-Pacific travelers looking for immersive, long-stay experiences,” said a spokesperson for Destination NSW. “This flight provides the perfect conduit for encouraging deeper travel engagement across the state.”
Looking Ahead: Aviation as an Economic Catalyst
As the global aviation industry stabilizes post-COVID, strategic route launches such as this signal a return to confidence and ambition. The Sydney–Hong Kong daily flight is not just another service—it is a catalyst for renewed bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual prosperity.
Through sustained collaboration between governments, tourism boards, and airline partners, the Sydney–Hong Kong air corridor is poised to serve as a model for how aviation can drive economic growth in a globalized world.
With passenger numbers expected to climb and trade routes strengthening, the Hong Kong Airlines daily service arrives at the perfect time—heralding a new era in Asia-Pacific travel and connectivity.
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