HK Airlines inaugural flights arrives April 29

The long wait is over. Hong Kong Airlines’ first flight back to Saipan since the COVID-19 pandemic is officially set to arrive at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on April 29.

According to Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Leo B. Tudela, it’s official, Hong Kong Airlines is set to depart Hong Kong this April 28 and will arrive on Saipan the early morning of April 29.

CPA Lease Compliance officer Joy Tenorio added that Hong Kong Airlines has already started preparations in Saipan and is getting ready to open its terminal at the Saipan international airport.

Saipan Tribune learned that the Marianas Visitors Authority and other community stakeholders are set to give Hong Kong Airlines a warm, island welcome when they arrive on April 29.

According to the airline’s Hong Kong-Saipan flight schedule, Hong Kong Airlines will be providing two weekly flights: The Hong Kong to Saipan flights will be every Thursday and Sunday, departing Hong Kong at 7:35pm and arriving on Saipan at 2:35am. The airline’s Saipan to Hong Kong flights will be every Monday and Friday, departing Saipan at 4:05am.

The return of Hong Kong Airlines has been in the works since last year, but the exact date of the airline’s return has always been tentative. Initially, it was to relaunch its Saipan route in November 2023. When that didn’t happen, CNMI stakeholders were informed that the return of Hong Kong Airlines had been moved to February, but the relaunch was postponed anew to March.

The airline suspended its Hong Kong-Saipan flights back in 2020 and will return after an over three-year hiatus. This time, it will be using a A330 aircraft, which has 280 seats per flight.

MVA managing director Chris Concepcion previously said MVA is optimistic that Hong Kong Airlines will further boost the CNMI’s tourism industry as there is a pent-up demand for travel in the area.