Greater Bay Airlines Plans First U.S. Flights to Saipan
Greater Bay Airlines has taken a significant step toward entering the U.S. aviation market, filing for a foreign air carrier permit and exemption with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Hong Kong-based airline aims to begin passenger service between Hong Kong and U.S. territories, with plans to launch its first transpacific route during the winter 2025-26 season.
According to its application, the carrier seeks authority to operate scheduled and charter flights carrying passengers, cargo, and mail between Hong Kong and the United States, including beyond points, under the U.S.–Hong Kong air services agreement. Greater Bay Airlines intends to debut in the U.S. market with twice-weekly flights between Hong Kong International Airport and Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific. These flights will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The expansion does not stop there. The airline has also disclosed plans to begin service to Guam in 2026, contingent on the delivery of its new Boeing 737-9 aircraft. Both Guam and Saipan are currently unserved nonstop from Hong Kong, presenting a unique opportunity for Greater Bay Airlines to establish itself in these markets. Although Hong Kong Airlines is scheduled to resume Saipan flights in August using Airbus A320s, the Guam route remains without direct competition.
Founded in 2020, Greater Bay Airlines currently operates a growing network of 13 international routes across Asia, including destinations such as Bangkok, Manila, Osaka Kansai, Sendai, Seoul Incheon, Taipei, Tokyo Narita, and Yichang. Its existing fleet includes eight Boeing 737-800s, and the airline has placed orders for 15 Boeing 737-9s to support future route growth and longer-haul services.
The airline emphasized that its request aligns with the bilateral air transport agreement between the U.S. and Hong Kong and reflects its commitment to enhancing air travel connectivity between Asia and U.S. territories. The launch of service to Saipan and eventually Guam would increase travel options for both leisure and business passengers, while also introducing new competition in underserved Pacific markets.
With the application now filed and regulatory review underway, Greater Bay Airlines is positioning itself to capitalize on the recovery of long-haul travel and the demand for direct links between Hong Kong and the western Pacific. If approved, the airline’s entry into the U.S. market will mark a milestone in its rapid regional expansion and its transition into a broader international carrier.
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