HK Express Airways (HK Express) today announced the launch of new direct flights between Hong Kong and Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, commencing 3 December 2026, with four weekly flights to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE). In just two and a half hours, travellers can immerse themselves in Hefei’s thousand-year heritage, picturesque water towns, and world-class Jianghuai gastronomy. With a story waiting to be discovered around every corner, Hefei is the perfect destination for your next unforgettable getaway.
HK Express Airways, Photo source: the official website of HK Express
To celebrate the launch of this new Hefei route and the National Day, HK Express is rolling out a limited-time promotion for all Chinese Mainland routes, with “Ultra Lite” round-trip fares starting from just HK$77 (including one small personal item)*. Customers can log in to the HK Express official website or use the mobile app to book discounted tickets for these routes from 10:00 on 30 September to 23:45 on 4 October 2026. Seats are limited, so act fast.
Applicable travel periods are as follows:
Hefei: 3 December 2026 – 27 March 2027
Beijing (Daxing)/Ningbo/Wuxi/Changzhou/Yiwu/Sanya: 9 October 2026 – 27 March 2027
Photo source: HK Express
Located in central Anhui, between the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, Hefei is a vibrant city where deep cultural heritage meets modern vitality. Renowned as the birthplace of the legendary Lord Bao, the Chinese god of justice Bao Zheng, the city invites visitors to explore Lord Bao Park in traditional Hanfu attire to experience the elegance of Song Dynasty charm, or to learn about late Qing history at Li Hongzhang’s Former Residence. Nearby, Sanhe Ancient Town features classic stone bridges and Ming-Qing architecture, perfect for scenic boat rides. At night, Leijie comes alive with local street food, traditional opera performances, and warm local hospitality, best experienced through the famous “Zha leizi” drinking toasts. Food lovers can indulge in signature Anhui dishes like fermented mandarin fish, crispy Sanhe rice dumplings, aromatic Luzhou roast duck, and flaky Xiatang sesame cakes. Hefei also serves as a convenient gateway to Mount Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its breathtaking peaks and sea of clouds. Whether you’re exploring history, gliding through water towns, indulging in Jianghuai delicacies, or marvelling at mountain grandeur, Hefei is ready to meet all your travel needs – with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of the unexpected.
Photo source: HK Express
From today, travellers can visit the HK Express official website, use the mobile app, or access the WeChat mini-program to book flights or learn more about this exciting route.
HK Express Airways (HK Express) and The International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) proudly announced the recruitment of 11 graduates from HKIAA’s first intake of Cadet Pilot Programme as HK Express’s Second Officers. It is also the first airline to employ cadet pilots from HKIAA. An epaulette presentation ceremony was held on the 19th of November to celebrate this milestone event of pilot training in Hong Kong.
The milestone partnership between HK Express and HKIAA will help nurture the next generation of high-quality airline pilots and shape the future of aviation in Hong Kong
Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, said that one of the company's key missions is to nurture local aviation talent and contribute to the city’s long-term growth as an international aviation hub, based on its role as Hong Kong’s only low-cost carrier. HK Express is proud to welcome these cadet graduates to the company and looks forward to watching them take flight – both literally and in their careers. The milestone partnership with HKIAA will help to deepen the mutual collaboration of the two sides and reinforce each other's shared belief in creating opportunities for passionate young people to pursue their flying ambitions. By cultivating local pilot talent, HK Express is also supporting its ongoing route and fleet expansion, as well as its broader people development strategy, and building the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable aviation future for Hong Kong.
Simon Li, President of HKIAA, noted that the academy is committed to nurturing and empowering aviation enthusiasts to drive the sustainable development of the aviation industry in Hong Kong and across the region. HKIAA launched the first Cadet Pilot Programme two years ago to provide aspiring talents with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming civil pilots. He was quite proud to celebrate the success of the graduates as they took on the role of Second Officer at Hong Kong Express. He greatly values the shared commitment with Hong Kong Express and believes their partnership will help nurture the next generation of high-quality airline pilots and shape the future of aviation.
This initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between HKIAA and its partnering airlines, including HK Express, in September 2023, which provides cadets with preliminary interviews and subsequent interviews for Second Officer positions for the graduates. Since the launch, the HKIAA Cadet Pilot Programme has successfully completed eight intakes, helping to shape the next generation of Hong Kong pilots.
HKIAA provides students from the Cadet Pilot Programme with the opportunity to undergo flight training in Chengdu, China, or in California, USA. Recently, an A320 flight simulator was introduced to facilitate realistic training scenarios, enhance safety protocols, and prepare students for the demands of modern aviation. The new facility also enables students to complete the multi-crew cooperation course, a mandatory requirement before obtaining a commercial pilot license issued by the Civil Aviation Department.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao (front row, third from left), HKIAA President Simon Li (front row, third from right), HK Express Training General Manager Captain Andy Chow (front row, second from left), and HKIAA Flight Training and Engineering Director Jack Ip (front row, second from right) and the eight newly appointed HK Express Second Officers
