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A new investor in the Hong Kong aviation market, Kenya Airways Ltd, will launch its first direct connection between East Africa and Hong Kong. It is the first new flight to be operated after the containment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
This marks a strategic move for Kenya Airways to expand into the Asia market, and reflects the importance of Hong Kong as the key aviation hub in Asia.
The acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr John Rutherford, today (July 18) met with Kenya Airways' spokesperson, Ms Merita Ombuor.
Kenya Airways established a business presence in Hong Kong this month to oversee what will be their only route into north Asia.
Starting from September 3, three weekly flights will originate in Hong Kong with a short stop-over in Bangkok, providing customers with conveniently scheduled connections to the entire African continent via Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
On the significance of this investment, Ms Ombuor told Mr Rutherford: "We have great confidence in the Asian aviation market. Despite the current worldwide economic slowdown, we believe that there is still much room for the expansion of flight services in the region, particularly in mainland China which continues to show strong economic growth."
"We expect to recruit an adequate number of Hong Kong cabin crew members to staff the three weekly new Hong Kong flights and in preparation for future expansion during a drive tomorrow (July 19) at JW Marriott Hotel," Ms Ombuor continued.
She said: "Hong Kong is clearly Asia's leading business hub and a bridgehead to enter the mainland market. We believe our decision to recruit high-calibre local talent will facilitate our regional expansion."
Mr Rutherford expressed great pleasure in Kenya Airway's decision to use Hong Kong as the springboard for its Asian expansion.
He said: "The addition of Kenya Airways to the aviation community in Hong Kong further strengthens Hong Kong's position as the aviation hub of choice in Asia. The new direct flights will enhance our city's connectivity with the rich and diverse economies of East Africa, bringing new business and tourism opportunities to each market.
"For international airlines, Hong Kong is the most convenient location to develop a regional customer base. We also have an excellent multilingual workforce, which makes it easy for international airlines to recruit local staff."
Mr Rutherford added: "This initiative is also the latest indication that our travel industry is back in business after a difficult period. The latest figures for Hong Kong passenger arrivals and departures suggest that the aviation industry is rapidly recovering from the SARS-related downturn. As a result, Kenya Airways' investment comes at a very good time.
"As the investment promotion arm of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Invest Hong Kong is delighted to welcome Kenya Airways to our city, bringing job opportunities and boosting tourism. We look forward to their continuing expansion from Hong Kong."
Kenya Airways currently offers almost 1,500 weekly city pair connections and, together with its strategic partner KLM, provides flights to over 300 destinations worldwide.
End/Friday, July 18, 2003
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