Other Asian, Australian and South Pacific Frequent Flyer Programs - HKG-KWL: HX or CZ

Planning a side trip from HKG to KWL in November on my next Asian trip in November. I was surprised to find out that KA has withdrawn from this route. It appears that only HX/OU and CZ are the only 2 airlines offerring non-stop service between HKG and KWL. HX web site is not accepting booking beyond October 30, 2010, so they may be pulling out too.

If I have to choose between HX and CZ, which one is more preferred?

I have flown CA and MU a few times. I was not impressed with MU but CA does not fly this route.

Thanks!

Both are decent, but HX is quite well known in HKG for its tight turnarounds - leading to frequent delays (although they are improving). You might want to consider waiting a bit longer since KA may relaunch KWL with the arrival of the new A320s.

Both are decent, but HX is quite well known in HKG for its tight turnarounds - leading to frequent delays (although they are improving). You might want to consider waiting a bit longer since KA may relaunch KWL with the arrival of the new A320s.

Thanks. Is HX frequent delays "extensive", i.e., >30 minutes on average? What kind of timing are you referring with respect to KA's new A320? I plan to travel in November 2010. Also, as HX's web site is not accepting booking beyond Oct. 30, 2010, are there any rumours that it may be withdrawing from the HKG-KWL route after that date? Thanks!

Thanks. Is HX frequent delays "extensive", i.e., >30 minutes on average? What kind of timing are you referring with respect to KA's new A320? I plan to travel in November 2010. Also, as HX's web site is not accepting booking beyond Oct. 30, 2010, are there any rumours that it may be withdrawing from the HKG-KWL route after that date? Thanks!
Yes, the HX delays a "extensive" (usually 1-2 hours), with night flights often turning into red-eyes per hongkongairport.com. About KA, they are in need of more aircraft to expand, thus taking one A330 from parent company CX - not too sure about KWL plans though.

HX is also well known in Hong Kong for its poor business model, they always open and close routes with little or no prior notice just to "test" the market. Just 2 months ago, they released schedules on GDS of a BKK flight and then suddenly cancelled the plan, a few weeks later, reloaded it. I would book at a later time to see how conditions are. They can never make up their mind.

Look at how poorly routes /schedules are planned:
http://airlineroute.net/2010/03/26/hx-330svo/
http://airlineroute.net/2010/04/26/hx-hkghan/
http://airlineroute.net/2010/05/21/hx-330/

Thanks. I am not in a hurry to book and can book if there's a special offer or something really attractive. I put in some dates just to get an idea on price in November and the HX web site returned as invalid. Basically, HX is accepting booking only up to October 30, 2010. Base on your comments, it appears to be a "safer bet" to fly with CZ! The CZ fare is higher in November than October, obviously market pressure by HX. If HX decides to continue to fly HKG-KWL beyond October 30, 2010 at the same fare as now, I am sure that CZ will match. Fare to October 30, 2010 - Economy return HK$1,600. Business return HK$3,600. (Both before taxes and fuel surcharges, etc.). Fare after October 30, 2010 on CZ web site, Economy return HK$3,000. Business return HK$5,600.

So a few days ago, I called HX's reservation office in HKG about the flight schedule and fare beyond October 30, 2010. Even they are unable to tell me. They don't plan more than 3 months ahead.

I was advised to ring back in mid August or early September 2010.

Most other airlines allow forward booking up to 330 days.

HX/UO certainly give the characteristics of a "fly by night" airlines and I think that I shall fly CZ earning some ST miles along the way.