Established in 2001, CR Airways operates flights from Hong Kong to
second-tier mainland cities such as Haikou, Sanya and Guilin. It has the Air
Transport Licensing Authority's permission to operate flights on about 40
routes.
CR Airways is planning to form a partnership with the mainland's
third-largest carrier Hainan Airlines, which reportedly holds 70 per cent of its
stake for HK$350 million.
Valuair and Jetstar Asia
The two Singapore-based low cost carriers serving Hong Kong and Singapore
routes formed an alliance last year to expand their operations, especially on
the mainland.
The companies have some powerful shareholders such as Australia's Qantas and
Singapore's Temasek Holdings that respectively hold 49 per cent and 19 per cent
of Jetstar's stakes.
The world's third-largest holiday liner operator, Star Cruises, holds 20 per
cent stakes of Valuair. Valuair and Jetstar are trying to make a foray into the
mainland, with the latter planning to have eight planes by the year-end to fly
between Indonesia and the mainland.
Thai Sky Airlines
The airline hit the headlines recently after one of its flights developed a
technical snag, stranding more than 200 passengers in Bangkok for almost 12
hours.
The Thailand-based budget airline, which opened its first overseas branch in
Hong Kong last year, when it also launched its first flight between Hong Kong
and Bangkok. The company's routes have subsequently extended to other areas such
as Taipei.
Macau Asia Express
Owned by Shun Tak Holdings and China National Aviation Company, Macau Asia
Express was founded in January this year with a registered capital of US$30
million. It will launch its maiden flight in the fourth quarter of this year.
Fifteen to 20 aircraft will fly across the mainland and other Asian regions.
Viva Macau
With Macao as its home, Viva Macau is waiting for the enclave's government to
issue the necessary licence to begin operations next month. It has plans to
operate flights to Jakarta in Indonesia, Diosdado Macapagal in the Philippines,
Male in the Maldives, Phuket in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City in Viet Nam.
It plans to start flights to Sydney in Australia and Dubai next year.
