There’s a saying in aviation: you don’t just fly an airline, you fly its philosophy. For Hong Kong Airlines, that philosophy is beating stronger than ever — and it’s all heart.
In a bold move to reinvent itself as a full-service international carrier with unmistakable local charm, Hong Kong Airlines has announced a full suite of elevated service upgrades — from inflight dining and lounge luxuries to a game-changing in-cabin pet travel policy.
“‘Serve with Heart’ isn’t just a slogan,” says Mr Yan Bo, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, with all the candour of a man reshaping his fleet’s future. “We’re embedding Hong Kong’s soul into every corner of the journey — from our business class plates to the scent in the air.”
Let’s unfasten those tray tables and explore what this new era of service means.
From left: Mr Jeff SUN, President of Hong Kong Airlines, Ms Phousamleth PHANKHAVONG, Vice Consul, Consulate General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mr Chaturont CHAIYAKAM, Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong, Mr LIU Yinan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Airlines, Mr Wing YEUNG, Deputy Director, Airport Operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr YAN Bo, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines and Mr NEGISHI Shintaro, Consul, Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong
🎒 Generous Baggage Allowance: A Weight Off Travellers’ Shoulders
Chairman Yan unveils sky-high service upgrades with signature Hong Kong flair.
From 7 May onwards, Hong Kong Airlines passengers can easily breathe when packing.
The new policy introduces a checked baggage allowance of 23kg (plus 7kg carry-on) for Economy Class passengers. In comparison, Business Class travellers will enjoy a hearty 64kg of checked baggage in two pieces, with an upgraded 15kg carry-on in two bags.
It’s a welcome shift that positions the airline squarely within premium territory, responding to the perennial gripe that “just one more jumper” does not cut.
🍽 Inflight Dining with a Taste of Home — and Far Beyond
Hong Kong Airlines has dramatically upped its culinary game. Passengers now embark on a gastronomic journey celebrating Hong Kong’s beloved street foods while tipping its cap to global palates.
Business Class guests are spoiled with a rotating suite of Michelin-starred Cantonese dishes — courtesy of a collaboration with Ming Court — alongside international fare and seasonal delicacies.
Among the standout selections:
-
Okinawa-Style Braised Pork with Japanese Rice (yes, that rich, belly-satisfying kind)
-
Classic Hong Kong comfort meals like Braised Rice Noodle with Preserved Veg and Shredded Pork
-
And for the homesick: Rice with Two Sides, known locally as “This This Rice”
Meanwhile, Economy Class passengers seated in the front row on selected routes receive upgraded meals with extra legroom and priority boarding—a first step toward that elusive “Economy Plus” experience, done with a decidedly local twist.
-
- Cantonese chicken with flair—Economy never tasted so Business Class.
-
- Ming Court masterpieces plated for takeoff, elegance with every bite.
🥂 Club Autus Lounge: Where East Meets Luxe
Lounge access has become the true battleground for airline loyalty, and Hong Kong Airlines aims directly at this with its revamped Club Autus lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
In partnership with Plaza Premium Group, the world’s leading airport lounge provider, the lounge now offers:
-
Private dining zones with à la carte menus
-
Zoned seating to accommodate business flyers and leisure travellers alike
-
A Revitalising Zone — complete with ergonomic massage chairs and the calming aroma of THANN’s Aromatic Wood Mist, ideal for winding down before takeoff
But it’s not just about furniture and fragrance. The lounge menu brings a nostalgic smile: piping hot wonton noodles, egg waffles, and shredded chicken soup with pickled veg, all freshly prepared.
The real pièce de résistance? Welcome cocktails curated by Leo Ko, Hong Kong’s champion bartender. Guests are greeted with signature sips like Victoria Fizz, Southern Beauty, and Oriental Iced Tea — proof that even pre-boarding drinks can have flair.
Lounge access is no longer limited to Business Class or elite flyers. Members of the Enjoyment Programme, intercontinental transit passengers, and select corporate clients are all invited to this high-altitude haven.
-
- Welcome Drinks by Leo Ko, Champion Bartender
-
- Abalone congee and bao—Hong Kong’s lounge cuisine lands with pride.
💺 Online Check-In with More Choice, More Control
From 2 May, the airline’s online check-in process becomes more family-friendly and flexible.
Passengers can now enjoy expanded free seat selection during online check-in. Families will be relieved that children under 12 are now guaranteed adjacent seating with accompanying adults — a small but significant touch that eliminates the chaos of seat swaps at the gate.
🐾 Paws and Planes: A Sky-High First for Hong Kong
Here’s where things truly take flight — Hong Kong Airlines now allows pets to travel in-cabin alongside their owners, making it the first and only airline in Hong Kong to offer this service.
The pet-friendly initiative starts on routes to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), and Nagoya. Small dogs and cats can fly in the aircraft cabin rather than as cargo.
“People don’t just travel with pets — they travel for them,” quips one airline insider. And for those who consider their furry companion a family member, this new policy is revolutionary.
It’s a move that aligns with the rise of pet-friendly travel globally and taps into a fiercely loyal customer base that rarely flies solo.
🌿 Scent of Serenity: A Sensory Upgrade at 30,000 Feet
Rounding off the airline’s sensory renaissance is a unique collaboration with THANN, the premium Thai skincare and wellness brand.
Passengers in both the air and lounge are enveloped in the signature Aromatic Wood Fragrance Mist, designed to calm the nerves and invigorate the senses — a subtle but powerful nod to the future of inflight wellness.
✈️ The Bigger Picture: From Regional Player to Global Contender
These service upgrades are not merely cosmetic — they represent a more profound transformation at Hong Kong Airlines.
As the airline adds long-haul routes to Vancouver and Sydney, the ambition is to evolve beyond regional dominance into a global full-service carrier.
With the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport ramping up capacity and strategic alliances (like Plaza Premium Group) bolstering the ground experience, Hong Kong Airlines is positioning itself as the “aviation bridge” between China and the world.
“This isn’t just about comfort,” said Mr Yan. “It’s about embodying the character of Hong Kong — sophisticated, spirited, and always ready to welcome you.”
From Hong Kong to the world—every flight a cultural connection.
📌 Final Boarding Thoughts
In an age when low-cost carriers dominate headlines, it’s heartening to see a homegrown airline embrace heritage, hospitality, and high standards.
With its blend of Michelin meals, pet-friendly cabins, and Cantonese warmth, Hong Kong Airlines isn’t just flying — it’s soaring with spirit.
As the airline’s Chairman says, “We’re not just serving with heart — we’re redefining what it means to feel at home in the skies.”
By Charmaine Lu
