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MIAT Mongolian Airlines today (June 2) celebrated the start of its inaugural service between Hong Kong and Mongolia.
Initially the airline will concentrate on its passenger service in Hong Kong, operating two flights per week on a Boeing 737-800 jet with a seat capacity of 162 passengers per flight. MIAT Mongolian Airlines' Hong Kong office will focus on marketing and sales, and work to develop a good relationship with business partners in the region. In the short term, the airline is planning to launch cargo services into and out of Hong Kong to serve regional and international market needs.
Headquartered at Chingis Khaan International Airport in Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, MIAT Mongolian Airlines is the country's national flag carrier. It has been in business more than 24 years and operates scheduled and charter services from Mongolia to major cities in Europe and Asia.
General Manager of MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Mr Namsraijav Enkhsaikhan, said, "With its strategic position, Hong Kong is the right place for us to expand regionally, as we consider it as a main gateway to the Pearl River Delta, southeast Asia and the Pacific region."
Mr Enkhsaikhan added, "The unique advantage of Hong Kong is its international connectivity. To enhance our service and to meet our customers' needs, we will extend our route network through further interline and special prorate agreements, as well as code share agreements, with key players in the region. With a further increase in traffic, we plan to introduce wide-bodied aircraft for our flight service to Hong Kong."
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, extended his warm welcome to MIAT Mongolian Airlines in launching its service from Ulaanbaatar to Hong Kong. He said, "Hong Kong is renowned as an international transportation and logistics hub with a world-class airport – the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong, we have continued to see strong growth in flight movements and passenger volume. In April 2011, flight movements surged 12.1 percent from a year earlier to 27 685 flights while passenger trips increased 8.5 percent to 4.5 million. Over the past 12 months, the airport has handled 51.8 million passengers and more than 4.1 million tonnes of cargo, representing increases of 10.7 percent and 12.8 percent respectively."
"On one hand, the huge volume of passenger and cargo traffic at the HKIA provides a huge opportunity for MIAT Mongolian Airlines to further develop its business. On the other, the business presence of MIAT Mongolian Airlines will further enhance Hong Kong's image as an international aviation hub and Asia's world city. We wish the airline every success in its business in our city and look forward to providing further assistance when it expands," Mr Davis added.
Starting a business in Hong Kong, for companies large and small, has been further facilitated with the launch of the Government's electronic incorporation service in March 2011. The time required for company incorporation and business registration has now been significantly reduced from four to one working day.
About MIAT Mongolian Airlines
Established in 1956, MIAT Mongolian Airlines is the national flag carrier of Mongolia. The airline commenced its first direct flight service between Hong Kong and Mongolia on June 2, 2011 and is operating two flights per week. For more information, please visit www.miat.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2 100 investment projects creating over 26 000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$57 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157626865591454
Ends/Thursday, June 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:31
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