Greater Bay Airlines Plans Fleet Expansion, Eyes 23 Aircraft by 2028

Greater Bay Airlines, based in Hong Kong, is set to double its existing fleet of four B737-800s to eight by mid-2024, with ambitions to have a total of 23 aircraft by 2028, according to CEO Stanley Hui Hon-chung. The carrier, which commenced operations in the second half of 2022, has also placed an order for fifteen B737-9s from Boeing, with the first deliveries expected to start in August 2024.

Operating flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo, Greater Bay Airlines has reported passenger loads of 70-80% during the recent Northern Hemisphere summer season. Hui highlighted that the majority of passengers are Hong Kong residents rather than international travelers.

However, workforce shortages in Hong Kong pose a potential challenge to the airline’s growth. While Greater Bay Airlines is currently adequately staffed, each additional aircraft requires additional pilots and flight attendants. The scarcity of experienced senior pilots in Hong Kong, who left the region during pandemic-related layoffs, adds to the difficulties of hiring for the expanding fleet.

In addition to the Boeing narrowbodies, the airline has tentatively committed to acquiring five B787s. Hui stated that this expansion into widebody aircraft would occur after achieving “scale and foundation” in narrowbody operations. The B787s are anticipated to start joining the fleet from August 2024 through the end of 2027.

Greater Bay Airlines plans to commence flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in November. While initial reports in 2022 suggested the airline would enter mainland China, Hui attributed the decision to hold off to demand considerations and aircraft availability. He expressed interest in serving tier-one cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Wuhan, with no specific timeline provided.

Hui also called for increased support from the Hong Kong government for smaller airlines, emphasizing the challenges of competing with larger carriers like Cathay Pacific and HK Express. He stressed the importance of market progress through healthy competition.