A new long-haul carrier is challenging Cathay and British Airways with discount fares between Hong Kong and London.
Oasis Airlines, Asia's first long-haul discount carrier, took off on its inaugural cut-price flight from Hong Kong today with a full Boeing of over 300 passengers.
Economy passengers were paying just HK$1,000 (€102) for the one-way journey, a special introductory offer that will last until December. Business travellers paid just HK$6,600 (€674).
The airline is starting with four weekly flights to London Gatwick but plans to increase that to a daily service next month.
Virgin Atlantic Airways, controlled by British billionaire Richard Branson, and Australia's Qantas Airways fly daily between Hong Kong and London Heathrow. Air New Zealand will join the competition on October 28 with a daily service.
Cathay, which has four daily flights on the route, is charging HK$6,280 for an economy-class return ticket, according to its website. British Airways' lowest fare is HK$5,300. The prices exclude taxes and fuel surcharges.
Oasis has sold more than 18,000 tickets, exceeding expectations. The new airline aims to replicate the success of short-haul low-fare carriers, such as Ryanair and Southwest Airlines, on long-distance flights.
Oasis are offering passengers free meals and in-flight entertainment.
Oasis will also carry freight to compete with other Asian airlines. Last month, it appointed Luxembourg's Cargolux Airlines International SA as its cargo sales agent.