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Explainer | Cathay Pacific’s HK Express rolls out cheap seats to beat regional rivals. But will low-cost fares to Japan, Taiwan lure budget travellers?
- Budget airline has introduced four-tier ticketing system, with entry-level option allowing single personal item weighing under 7kg
- New price structure does not guarantee cheapest option versus other options in region, according to Post check on certain dates, but fares remain highly competitive
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Cathay Pacific Airways’ budget airline, HK Express, has introduced a new four-tier ticketing system which has put its prices and broader competitiveness in the spotlight.
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The revamped “Ultra Lite”, “Lite”, “Essential” and “Max” fare categories are mostly differentiated by the amount of carry-on and checked baggage allocated to each passenger, with the cheapest ticket allowing for just one personal item that can be placed under seats.
The Lite fare includes an extra hand-carry item, while Essential allows for a 20kg (44lbs) check-in bag and Max increases the weight limit to 32kg.
Here, the Post looks at how the company stacks up against other regional airlines, especially low-cost carriers, following the introduction of the new system.
Japan
Japan is arguably the most popular holiday destination for Hongkongers, especially after borders reopened following the pandemic, as the value of the yen has fallen to new lows.
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