Hong Kong Airlines recently waved goodbye to its last A350-900, sending it back to the lessor ALAFCO on August 28, 2023. This move comes nearly four years after the airline stopped using the aircraft for making money. The plane, known by its serial number B-LGE, had been sitting in storage since October 2019 and was the last of six A350-900s that the airline added to its fleet between 2017 and 2018.
The aircraft made its way back from Alice Springs storage on August 23. It had a quick pit stop at Hong Kong International airport before heading off to Lourdes/Tarbes on August 28, according to Flightradar24 ADS-B data. The remaining five A350-900s in Hong Kong Airlines’ fleet were retired between 2019 and 2021. Two of these planes have found a new home with Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, while the other three are still in storage.
Why the A350s Were Phased Out
Fangda Aviation, the parent company of Hong Kong Airlines, decided to end all A350 leases across the group. This includes units that were operated by Hainan Airlines. The reason? A “changed market environment,” influenced by financial troubles at former parent HNA Group and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have led to a significant downsizing of Hong Kong Airlines. Right now, the airline operates a much smaller fleet, which includes nine A330-200s (all in storage) and ten A330-300s (four in storage).
What’s Next for Hong Kong Airlines
After a recent investment agreement with Liaoning Fangda Group, which controls Hainan Airlines Holding, Hong Kong Airlines has plans to add more A330s to its fleet. The airline also has twelve A320-200s in operation. Its subsidiary, Hong Kong Air Cargo, operates five A330-200Fs.
Hong Kong Airlines has returned its last A350-900 to lessor ALAFCO, marking the end of an era for the airline’s use of this aircraft type. The move is part of a larger strategy to adapt to market changes and financial challenges. With new investment and plans to add more A330s, the airline is looking to the future while managing a leaner fleet.
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