Hong Kong Airlines and Turkish Airlines have commenced a new codeshare partnership following an agreement signed by both airlines in Istanbul, the hub city of Turkish Airlines on Monday 29th October.
This new codeshare deal and collaboration will see Hong Kong Airlines add Istanbul and popular destinations in Europe, including Paris, London, Barcelona and more to its international network, while Turkish Airlines will extend its reach to other major destinations beyond Hong Kong.
Subject to government approval, Hong Kong Airlines will place its “HX” code on Turkish Airlines services between Hong Kong and Istanbul, as well as between Istanbul and major cities in Europe. Reciprocally, Turkish Airlines will add its “TK” code on Hong Kong Airlines services between Hong Kong and Auckland, Bangkok and Osaka.
On Monday 29th October Turkish Airlines CEO and Deputy Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bilal Ekşi, Hong Kong Airlines Vice Chairman and President Mr. Wang Liya, signed the agreement into action in front of executives from both airlines at a special signing ceremony that took place at the Turkish Airlines headquarters.
“Istanbul is one of the world’s most ancient metropolises. Visitor numbers to the city has been growing steadily, thanks to its unique blend of modern and cultural vibes. As one of the important gateways to Europe in the region." Said Hong Kong Airlines Vice Chairman and President Mr Wang Liya, adding, "Hong Kong Airlines customers will benefit and enjoy greater convenience when connecting to popular European cities from Istanbul. We also look forward to introducing our “Truly Hong Kong” products and services to Turkish Airlines customers when they connect to our flights in Hong Kong,”
Turkish Airlines CEO and Deputy Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bilal Ekşi said he is pleased with the new codeshare agreement signed with Hong Kong Airlines and added that the agreement would not only contribute to the carrier’s existing commercial relations with Hong Kong Airlines but also offer connections to new destinations beyond Hong Kong for Turkish Airlines passengers. “Istanbul is the natural and historical connection point between Asia and Europe. The opening of Istanbul New Airport will further contribute and create new opportunities to promote the cultural and commercial relations between Istanbul and Hong Kong,” Mr Ekşi added.
Turkish Airlines currently offers six flights per week between Hong Kong and Istanbul with its Boeing 777-300ER equipped with 49 Business Class seats and 300 Economy Class seats. The airline is also working on moving its operations to Istanbul New Airport. Passengers of Turkey’s national flag carrier will benefit from one-stop travel connections to Auckland, Bangkok and Osaka via Hong Kong through this codeshare partnership. Hong Kong Airlines currently serves the New Zealand city daily and offers multiple daily frequencies to the other popular Asian destinations.
Hong Kong Airlines Business Class passengers will enjoy access to Turkish Airlines’ world-renowned Lounge Istanbul, which offers a range of facilities and services that transforms pre-flight or connecting time into its own special experience. They include a place of quiet relaxation, a place to shower and revive, a place to snack, dine or watch food presentations, an area for children to play and even an arcade full of exciting and challenging electronic diversions.
Reciprocally, Turkish Airlines passengers travelling in Business Class on Hong Kong Airlines will enjoy exclusive access to the airline’s flagship lounge, Club Autus at Hong Kong International Airport, that features a suite of facilities that cater to every traveller’s need, including one of the longest food hall and shower facilities for connecting travellers seeking to refresh before a flight.
(Images Turkish Airlines / Hong Kong Airlines)
