MAN-HKG direct?

[Curious Pax]

The CX flights from MAN via CDG/AMS to HKG seem pretty popular, and have been daily for some while now. Any signs of starting non stop flights (maybe with A340s?) in the future?

[spannersatcx]

It has been talked about for the past few years, at the highest levels i believe, unfortunately due to lack of equipment (aircraft) it has not been able to happen. I guess it's also not quite as presdigious(!) as non-stop NYC with a half empty 340! Or Kharachi or the other new route just started that has very low loads. Still can't lose face over such decisions can we!!!

[sigma]

With Malaysia operating Non-stop servicesand cheaper fares than Cathay, I have heard that Cathay has been loosing market share on the UK to Asia route plus Oz.
The airport has been pressing for non-stop services for quite a few years.
With Air New Zealand to start services soon and another British airline wishing to serve HKG, I guess it might be time to stimulate the market.
I guess if it will be direct, it will have to be daily as it does not want to lose market share.

Btw, the flight to AMS is nearly always late on departure.

[spannersatcx]

Sigma, please enlighten to the British Airline you are refering and when do Air New Zealand start, wonder how they'll avoid the ATC delays??

[sigma]

Hello Spannersatcx,

BMI is seeking permission from the UK government to start services, might be A340, from somewhere in the UK ! I'm not sure where exactly, could be MAN though !
ANZ this October, I forgot the precise date, there was a thread on this tooic a few days a go.
Virgin will add two more flights, they are also looking to do double daily in the long term and use the B747-400.
I fear the UK-HKG route might have over capacity.
Regards
Ken

[geh065]

Ken, where did you hear that Virgin were going to use the 747-400? I heard that they will continue to use the A340, upgrading to the -600 model when it is delivered.

[spannersatcx]

Thanks Sigma, will pass that onto the Engineers at Manchester as ANZ is handled by CX Eng at LHR, might be good for a few GBP!

[sigma]

Geh, I read it three weeks ago on Travel Trade gazette but you may be correct and I am wrong. Whichever, it is very nice to see either of the aircraft.

Spanners, you are welcome but I really do like to have the service non-stop because I have been travelling on that route since 1993, I like to fly on the A340 as well, I have never been on one.
My best wishes to you all
Ken

[Curious Pax]

Interesting info. I hadn't heard about ANZ starting, although they have code shared on the SQ flights out of MAN for a while now. I had a look for the other thread that was mentioned, but that only related to LHR-HKG approval being granted to ANZ. Have they also been granted approval for MAN-HKG then?

[sigma]

ANZ will use LHR-HKG.
As for MAN, we are kept guessing.