Hong Kong Airlines, kept alive with funds from Chinese lenders, calls for government support in survival fight

Hong Kong Airlines, kept alive by a working group in charge of HNA Group’s debt restructuring, is asking the local government to consider helping out other carriers after agreeing to a bailout plan for Cathay Pacific Airways. The city’s third-largest carrier said it has been contributing to the passenger and cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport since 2006, before the coronavirus pandemic crippled the industry and left most of its aircraft out of service. “We hope that the government will consider their recent airline bailout plan in conjunction with support for other Hong Kong-based carriers, who also help to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an aviation hub,” it said. “We are committed to serving Hong Kong and always open to strong strategic investors to secure our long-term development.” The Hong Kong government earlier this month agreed to provide 70% of the HK$39b recapitalisation plan at Cathay Pacific to protect the city’s position as an aviation hub. “We appreciate the various relief measures taken by the government to maintain Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub,” Hong Kong Airlines said. “We hope that the government will consider continuing their assistance to Hong Kong Airlines, to help us tide over this difficult period.”<br/>