HK Express (UO, Hong Kong International) is planning to take delivery of its first A321-200s later this year aiming to have between five and ten of the type in its fleet by the end of next year.
In its report CAPA says the 220-seater twinjets will allow the LCC to add capacity at Hong Kong International where an increasing lack of slots and traffic rights has started to take its toll.
In March, CEO Andrew Cowen said his airline currently considers securing additional take-off and landing slots to be a greater priority than placing new aircraft orders and as such, will acquire aircraft as and when they become available. As such, the A321s will likely be leased rather than acquired outright.
The Hong Kong Airlines (HX, Hong Kong International) subsidiary currently operates a fleet of eleven A320-200s with plans to replace five 174-seater units sourced from Hong Kong Airlines, with 180-seater A320s.
