With aspirations of shrugging off its low-cost carrier persona, Hong Kong Airlines is investing millions in its product, both on the ground and in the air, discovers Maggie Chooi on a recent trip to Bali.

Background

Based in its namesake city, Hong Kong Airlines, a Skytrax 4 star airline, currently flies to over 30 cities regionally, and recently expanded its network to Australia and New Zealand. The carrier operates a fleet of 16 A330 aircraft and 11 A320s, and has recently moved to compete head-on with fellow Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific and its regional subsidiary Cathay Dragon.

Check-in/Lounge

I checked in at Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 1, where the check-in process was remarkably efficient and professional. After passing through security I made for the airline’s signature lounge, Club Bauhinia, located adjacent to gate 23. This lounge is the spearhead of the airline’s efforts to attract more business and premium passengers; opened in 2014, it’s a modern, well-staffed and well-designed space spread over 500sqm. There are dedicated work stations and dining areas as well as lounges with views across the tarmac.

I took a corner, ordered some made-to-order eggs and dim sum before my mid-day flight, and made myself a Bloody Mary from the full bar set up. The lounge is open to business class passengers as well as gold and silver members of the airline’s Fortune Wings Club. The lounge is also convenient for the transfer train to the airport’s Midfield Concourse Terminal, from where many Hong Kong Airlines flights depart.

The Cabin

Boarding onto the A330-300 was also efficient and friendly, with crew chasing non-business passengers from the priority line. The airline’s newest aircraft features 32 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration that’s well suited to both individual travellers and couples. My window seat had plenty of privacy, a large personal monitor, an oversized dining tray which folded down from the seatback in front, and plenty of space for personal items. At 20.5-inches wide, and with a pitch of 72-inches, the seat is able to convert into a 180-degree lie flat bed and is on par with those found in the premium cabins of many leading airlines. Crew served juice and water and dished out menus in preparation for our 5 hour 30-minute daytime flight. Unfortunately after boarding the captain announced a 45-minute delay.

The Flight

After takeoff, crew served drinks among the ten passengers in business – I can only assume they’re not used to serving alcohol as my requested champagne took a few reminders until it arrived and then getting a refill proved challenging. However, the airline does serve the iconic Hong Kong milk tea which is a plus.

Lunch started with black and white sesame encrusted tuna with wasabi mayonnaise and a cucumber salad, which was beautifully presented on white china. This was followed by a choice of Coq au Vin with potatoes and seasonal vegetables; deep-fried prawns in Chinese ‘capital’ sauce with egg fried rice; or braised bean curd and fungus in soy sauce with jade rice. The tuna was light and refreshing and the prawns were well cooked but a little heavy on the sauce (and the portion could have been a little larger). Although there was one white and one red wine on offer I stuck with the Gonet-Medeville Blanc de Noirs Premier Brut NV champagne.

The flight time to Bali is perfect for a good meal and at least one good film. Although the seat features a large monitor and comfortable headphones are offered to business class passengers, the selection on Hong Kong Airlines’ entertainment system was very limited, with a rather curious selection of films in Chinese and English. It might be worth bringing your own tablet or laptop, for which there is ample room.

As the cabin was blissfully quiet (read no kids) and I had plenty of room, I decided to get some work done as we crossed the South China Sea. We descended into Denpasar, slightly behind schedule, but I was refreshed, well-rested, and very comfortable.

Summary

Hong Kong Airlines has weathered some publicity storms over the years and is still struggling with consistency across its fleet as it invests in both staff and hardware. However, this flight to Bali, with its cheerful crew, comfortable medium-haul cabin, and good value for money, promises great things in the airline’s future.

Roundtrip Hong Kong to Denpasar in business class from (US$573).

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