Past Events

On 9 July, Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, guided us through the low-cost carrier’s (LCC) ascent since its launch in 2013.

Speaking with Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung during the “CEO 123 Tell Me More” talk, she reflected on her career in Hong Kong’s aviation industry after arriving as a scholarship student from Shanghai, and unpacked the crucial role of LCCs in driving Hong Kong’s economic transformation.

With its “Gotta Go!” credo, HK Express (owned by Cathay Pacific) served over six million passengers last year – a 40% increase year-on-year. The goal? To become Asia’s best LCC. The data certainly speaks for itself: HK Express was ranked the world’s fastest-growing airline in 2024 by OAG, as well as one of the world’s best LCCs in February 2025.

“The key,” Jeanette explained, “is cost efficiency. The idea is to offer our customers value for money through affordable fares and seamless air travel, while pioneering routes to new destinations.” She also highlighted future opportunities for the city, thanks to Hong Kong International Airport’s three-runway system, and the growing demand across the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland. 

On the operational front, the airline introduced nine new routes in 2024 and added 11 more destinations this year. It now serves 13 locations in Japan, five in Korea and several in Southeast Asia – embodying the principle of not just following demand but creating it.