Hong Kong05 Sep 24 1 Traveller Economy
Showing 2 Birmingham to Hong Kong Japan Flights - Starting at Just ₹ 79634
About Birmingham
Birmingham is a popular city to visit in the United Kingdom after London. The city is growing at a fast pace and is turning into one of the most happening ones, too. It is also where scenes from Jawbone, The Girl With All The Gifts and Kingsman: The Golden Circle were shot. If you are planning a trip to the UK, make sure you add Birmingham to your itinerary as well. You can explore the neighbourhood on a cycle or on a horse, whichever seems like an adventure to you. The lush green surroundings and the old buildings give it the sort of charm that makes it a great vacation destination. The city also has an eclectic dining scene, and it won't disappoint you one bit. The city is also popular for the waterways that were built in the 1760s during the Industrial Revolution. You will also find a lot of pubs and bars in the city that spruce up the nightlife scenes in Birmingham. Not to mention, the people in the city are lovely and friendly. From recommending places to explore to make sure you have had a great party, people here will make your holiday far special.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham
June to October is considered the best months to visit Birmingham. The city experiences summer during these months, and it is also a peak season for tourists. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 34 degree Celsius. You should book your hotel in Birmingham well in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Birmingham in advance. The best part about visiting Birmingham in summer is that you can attend the music and film festivals that happen in the city during these months. Planning a trip to Birmingham is the best way to spend your summer holidays. Though you might have to bear with the heat, it is completely worth it. You might even end up making friends and meeting a lot of people from around the world since the city sees a spike in the number of tourists in summer. You can also indulge in a lot of outdoor activities in summer as compared to the other months.
September to November is fall season, and while it is not the most popular time to visit Birmingham, it's not the worst either. There are fewer tourists in the city, and the weather is pleasant. It is better as compared to the hot days of summer. Flight tickets to Birmingham are also comparatively lower than the ones in summer. Hotel prices also drop considerably. However, lesser tourists and the weather do not stop you from exploring the city in its glory. All the sightseeing options and outdoor activities are open during this season for you to explore.
December to February is winter in Birmingham, and it is a low season for the city. You will easily get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham in winter. However, a lot of sightseeing spots and outdoor activities might not be accessible during winter. If you are on a budget, this might be a good season for you to visit Birmingham, but it is not a highly recommended one. March to May is the spring season, and the weather is quite pleasant. It is neither too cold nor too hot. All the tourist attractions that were shut in winter open for tourists in spring. It is right before peak season hits Birmingham and you can avoid the crowds and enjoy exploring the city peacefully during spring.
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Birmingham has a lot of tourist attractions, and you must visit the city at the right time to explore it properly. Winterbourne House and Garden is a popular tourist attraction near the University of Birmingham where you can attend art exhibits, craft workshops, live music and even get a glimpse of how theatre works here. The house was built in 1903, and its rustic feel, large gardens and 19th-century printing presses are what attract tourists to it. The Library of Birmingham is Europe's biggest public library. It has a huge collection of books and so many genres that you will want to spend an entire day at the library if you are an avid reader. You can also take guided tours of the library if you want to know more about its inception. You can also visit the Birmingham Museum and Gallery at Chamberlain Square. If you reach at the right time, you might even get to enjoy some refreshing afternoon tea in the Edwardian Tearooms that look stunning.
You can also head to Cannon Hill Park to explore the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre and Mac theatre. The park also hosts Foodies Festival annually that you cannot miss. Thinktank is a science museum and an award-winning one at that. It's a short walk from the Moor Street Station and also showcases a model of the Spitfire plane that was used during World War II. You can also check out the on-site planetarium and take a virtual tour of the universe. A visit to the Cadbury World is mandatory, especially if you love chocolates. Not only do you get a tour of all the action that goes behind preparing your favourite treat, but you can also pack a few to take back home.
Things to do in Birmingham
Whether you love history or architecture or food, Birmingham has a lot in store for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour of the castles and museums. You can also go on a historical tour of the city. Brindleyplace is one of the most happening places in the city. You get a breathtaking view of the canals from in here. You can chill with a bowl of ramen and a cocktail of your choice. The place also hosts events like Birmingham Chilli Festival, Open Air Film Festival and BP Dragonboat Race that you can attend. If you are a book lover, you can just head to the Library of Birmingham. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe, and you can spend an entire day here. Visit the Mac Theatre at Cannon Hill Park. If you are not catching a movie or gulping down a glass of beer, you can sign up for courses in digital media skills, health and wellbeing, visual and performance arts and the list goes on. It also has courses that you can take up with your entire family. Do not miss going to Cadbury World. It is like a paradise for everyone who loves chocolates. Birmingham is a city that celebrates performance arts, music and literature. You will find a lot of events here that showcase the best talents and make sure you sign up for it.
Food and Restaurants in Birmingham
Since the city is known for its food, you will find a lot of restaurants that serve traditional and culturally rich food here but also restaurants that serve other types of cuisine. For a contemporary dining experience, you can head to Purnell's. It has a Victorian-style feel to it from the outside and is quite modern and chic inside. You can also order your favourite cocktails or coffee with your meal. Turners is one of the most popular restaurants that are just outside the city centre, in the village of Harborne. It has been nominated and won several awards. You will also find a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants here like Adams, Carters of Moseley and Simpsons. You will also find a lot of food joints and restaurants that are cheaper and serve delicious food. Peach Garden is another popular restaurant and makes sure you try the 'three rice roast' here or pack some so you can eat in your hotel room. Otto is a pizza joint that is quite popular in the city. If you are craving Indian food, you can head over to The Indian Streatery. They have a separate menu for lunch and a different one during the evenings. You will definitely want to come back here.
How to reach Birmingham (Transportation)
Birmingham International Airport is only about 13 km away from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Birmingham from India is excellent. There are no direct flights to Birmingham, and most flights have a layover of a couple of hours in their base city. Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines are few airlines that frequently fly to Birmingham with layovers at Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul. If you book in advance, you will come across decent flight deals to Birmingham online. You might even get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham. The airport has almost everything that would make things easier for the passengers. There are lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, smoking areas and restrooms at the airport. It is also quite easy to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. If you haven't pre-booked your airport transfer, you can just get a cab outside the airport itself.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is officially a part of the People's Republic of China. The metropolitan city is located on the South China Sea with the eastern Pearl River Delta flowing within the city. Hong Kong is one of the biggest and influential cities in the world for its stupendous stand in the global finance list. In fact, the city stands at the sixth position in the list of Global Financial Centres Index. Adorned with exquisite skyscrapers and lush lifestyle, the prosperous city is also a hub for tourism.
Various tourists flock over from different parts of the world to indulge in the fancy lifestyle of the city. Hong Kong was once part of the British Empire as a colony. However, after breaking away from its colonial rule, the city managed to flourish and has now become one of the top international cities. Many important flights are connected with Hong Kong. Travelling to Hong Kong via air is quite convenient as the city is well-connected with some of the major international cities.
Tourism in Hong Kong is exuberant, and you need to carry enough notes to ensure that you can afford the luxe lifestyle. Also, it would be beneficial to book flight tickets and accommodations to Hong Kong in advance. With the city's expensive taste, the prices of tickets and hotels continue to fluctuate.
Best time to visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong enjoys agreeable weather, especially during the months of October and December. As a city located on the coasts of the South China Sea, every weather is met with some humidity in the air, making tourism a little tedious. During these months, the temperatures would range between 20 to 27 degree Celsius, which is quite favourable, especially if you're coming from a hotter country. It would be ideal for you to stay away from Chinese national holidays or even large conventions as the hotel prices would see a tremendous surge. The long and hot summers of Hong Kong will be quite tough to deal with and hence, should be avoided at all cost. Meanwhile, the onset of winter with summer waning would be a nice and pleasant time to visit the smart city. The daytime temperatures would also be pleasant to step out and explore the city. Avoid the first week of October though as many Chinese travellers would flock over to Hong Kong for National Day. If you manage to get your plans fixed around the dates for Hong Kong WinterFest, that would be some experience. The city would be bustling with festivities, and the temperatures would also be bearable.
The peak season for Hong Kong is winter, which can be experienced from January to March. This period is also the time when the city, much like the rest of China, celebrates New Year's, Chinese New Year and such festivals. As it is the holiday season for the Chinese, travellers often take this time to head to the coastal city of Hong Kong and make the most of their time there. The two New Year celebrations also pave the way to a spike in the hotel charges. Booking a hotel room in Hong Kong during the months of December and January would be quite expensive. Even flight tickets to Hong Kong would come at an exorbitant cost. Hence, to opt for a cheap travel deal to Hong Kong, the season and month you choose is important.
Places to visit in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's plethora of places will amaze the tourist in you. The city truly matches the expectations of a traveller when it comes to entertaining them thoroughly with fascinating attractions. From the Symphony of the Stars light show that you can witness at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to Disneyland, Hong Kong has places that cater to the entertainment and happiness of everyone. The city is vibrant with hues of shimmering skyscrapers, sparkling waters of the South China Sea and the fervour of tourists from around the world. No matter what you expect from Hong Kong, they will have what you need and do you even better. One of the first things to do when you visit Hong Kong should be to take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. The stretch is scenic and certainly the kind to attract your attention. Victoria Peak is the second famous attraction that you should check out in Hong Kong. Located at the highest point on Hong Kong Island, the peak towers over the prodigious city with views of blue waters passing through the city, with its hues reflecting on the skyscrapers.
If the peak is too much for you to traverse then don't worry, Hong Kong's got you covered. You can visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade located at the Victoria Harbour. The promenade gives a wholesome view of the entire Hong Kong Island without any obstruction. The Nan Lian Garden is a lovely place to unwind and relax after a long day of indulging in touristy activities. For some historical relevance on your trip, you should visit Lantau Island. The popular island has preserved historical sites, sunny beaches and amusement parks for tourists. It would certainly keep you busy the whole day. Of course, missing Hong Kong Disneyland would be a shame. A trip to the magical kingdom would surely uplift your spirits.
Things to do in Hong Kong
Giving Disneyland a fierce competition is Hong Kong's Ocean Park. From roller coasters and carnival rides to accommodating an entire zoo, the Ocean Park certainly manages to have it all. If you feel like opting for a legal gambling session, you can go to Happy Valley Racecourse and bet on one of the horses. What would make the day even better would be to dress up in classy ensembles too. The street markets need no introduction as they are basically the one hub where tourists cannot resist from visiting. The marketplace is a bustling space in the city as frenzied tourists flock over to indulge in some street shopping. From Hong Kong, you can actually take a boat ride and skip over to Macau, to continue your wanderlusting.
Food and Restaurants in Hong Kong
Raking up the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Hong Kong easily becomes a paradisiacal excursion for a food lover. The city is touted to entertain some of the best fine dining establishments as well as boast a flourishing street food culture. The Hong Kong food culture stands next to big cities of the world, such as New York, Paris, and Tokyo, when it comes to thriving food culture. While the city's cuisine is heavily clouted by popular Chinese cuisine, the city also has influences of western food cuisines. Various fusion kitchens and teahouses have cropped up and serve the traditional Chinese barbeque, congee, stir-fries mixed with soy-sauce Western. Barbecued meat is a big seller in Hong Kong which caters to both kinds of audience, the ones who relish ritzy ambience and the ones who find street food comforting. For the traditional Hong Kong dishes such as steamed fish, head to dai pai dong-style stalls (street stalls) where they serve fish with stir-fries. Some of the other dishes that should be on your list of must-haves are put chai ko (rice pudding), egg tarts, pineapple buns, to name a few.
You can also get a similar or maybe even more elevated experience at Temple Street, again an open-air street food stalls and carts. Maxim's MX, Fairwood and Café de Coral are recognised food court chains in Hong Kong. For a luxury setting, head to Mandarin Grill + Bar, Tosca di Angelo, The Oyster House, to name a few places. The meat prepared by the kitchens across Hong Kong are succulent and marinated to perfection. All the dishes will leave a lasting impact on you.
How to reach Hong Kong (Transportation)
Hong Kong airport sees tremendous action as it is one of the busiest airports in the world. Even from India, there is a high demand for flights to Hong Kong. Many opt for the city as an ideal vacation destination. Flight connectivity to Hong Kong from India is excellent. There are many flights that fly to Hong Kong from India. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air India have direct flights to Hong Kong from India. Metro cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, have direct flights flying to Hong Kong. Various flights with layovers in Indian cities take international routes to fly to Hong Kong, resulting in excellent connectivity. The Hong Kong airport also has great domestic route connectivity as it runs bullet trains from the airport to other parts of the city.
Flight tickets to Hong Kong from India are not very expensive, especially if you book it beforehand. Also, if you get lucky, you might even be able to get some sweet online flight deals to Hong Kong along with hotel accommodations. Hong Kong is not very far from India and takes approximately five hours to reach from the capital. From other parts of the country, depending on the flight connectivity, the ticket prices and duration would vary.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines Co. Ltd. (JAL), more popularly known as Japan Airlines, is an international airline which is the flag carrier of Japan. Its headquarters are located in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The airline has its main hubs in Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Tokyo International Airport, and Osaka's Kansai International Airport as well as Osaka International Airport. The JAL group of companies comprise not just Japan Airlines, but also J-Air which is a regional commuter airline, Japan Air Commuter which is a feeder service for Japan Airlines, Japan Transocean Air which is the domestic counterpart for Japan Airlines, and Ryukyu Air Commuter which is a domestic airline offering passenger services from Okinawa. JAL was established on 1st August 1951 after the Government of Japan recognized the need for a reliable air transportation service in the aftermath of the Second World War. The initial capital was ¥100 million. The company went on to become Japan's national airlines in 1953. In February 1954, Japan Airlines began its international flights. By 1965, half of JAL's revenue was from transpacific routes to the USA, and the company was meanwhile lobbying the USA for fifth freedom rights to fly transatlantic routes from the East Coast.
In 1987, JAL was fully privatized after which it started competing with All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System. This increase in competition resulted in changes in the corporate structure of Japan Airlines. It reorganized itself into three divisions, namely international passenger service, domestic passenger service, and cargo. The Japan Air Charter was established in 1990, which was a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines for operating flights from Japan to resort destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. However, this subsidiary ceased operations in 2010. An agreement with the Walt Disney Company made Japan Airlines the official airlines of Tokyo Disneyland in 1996.
In 1992, however, the airline started incurring losses due to recessions in the USA and UK, as well as due to domestic economic trouble. However, the airline was able to cut costs by effectively utilizing their low-cost domestic subsidiary JAL Express and JALways, which was the successor to Japan Air Charter. The airline resumed profitability in 1999. In 2002, the company merged with Japan Air System and went on to become the sixth-largest airline in the world by the number of passengers carried. In 2004, Japan Air System changed its name to Japan Airlines Domestic, and its flight codes were changed to those of JAL's. While Japan Airlines Domestic handled JAL's domestic flights and Japan Airlines International operated both international and trunk domestic route flights, both airlines merged under a single brand -- Japan Airlines International -- on 1st October 2006. In 2008, Japan Airlines merged the operations of its subsidiary Japan Asia Airways which had up till then been operating separately for flights between Japan and Taiwan. In 2007, Japan Airlines joined the airline alliance Oneworld for which it had applied in 2005. The company claimed that this membership would serve the best interest of the airline and its customers.
After suffering grave financial losses in 2009, Japan Airlines sought protection under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law. The company received a ¥300 billion cash injection and had debts worth ¥730 billion waived, but in return had to cut its capital to zero, cut unprofitable routes, and reduce its workforce by a sizable one-third. In February 2010, JAL's shares were delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange which was until then considered the 'bluest of blue chips'. The leader of the task force for aiding a corporate turnaround for JAL, formed by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, believed that a new CEO would help fix JAL's problems. The President of Japan Air Commuter, Masaru Onishi, was then promoted to President of JAL. In March 2011, JAL emerged from bankruptcy, and in 2012 it announced its intent to relist its shares in the Tokyo Stock Exchange in an IPO of up to ¥1 trillion. Post bankruptcy, JAL has established several new partnerships with the Oneworld alliance and other joint ventures, including the formation of Jetstar Japan with Qantas Airways.
Fleet size of Japan Airlines
As of July 2020, Japan Airlines operates a fleet of 176 aircraft. The fleet currently consists of Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 767-300, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8, and Boeing 787-9. It intends to add to its fleet more wide-body aircraft. The fleet of Japan Airlines has a mixture of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The airline provides economy class service on all routes. Business-class service with larger seats are offered on most major domestic routes and also on most international routes. Premium economy is offered only on some international routes. The JAL Cargo, once a dedicated freighter aircraft, operated both propeller and jet aircraft, most recently the Boeing 747-400s and the Boeing 767-300Fs. Currently, cargo services operate from the lower deck holds of JAL's passenger aircraft.
Baggage Allowance
The free baggage allowed for those in the Economy and Premium Economy Class is a maximum of two pieces of 23 kgs (50 lbs) each. For those in Business and First Class, this allowance is increased to three pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each. For passengers who have a JAL Global Club Membership, this allowance is further increased to three pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each for Economy and Premium Economy Class, and four pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each for Business and First Class. The maximum external dimensions of the checked baggage should not exceed 203 cms, including the wheels and handles. Additional charges will be applied if the number of pieces, weight, or dimensions exceeds that which is allowed. The additional charges would depend upon the route being travelled. The airline also offers the option of paying these charges via JMB miles, their mileage program.
In-flight services
Japan Airlines offers excellent in-flight services to its passengers. Its in-flight entertainment system called MAGIC provides Audio/Video on Demand (AVOD) and is installed on all seats on Boeing 767-300ER, 777-200ER, and 777-300ER aircraft. The airline has its in-flight magazine, Skyward, provided by JALUX. Western and Japanese cuisine meals are offered on intercontinental routes, depending upon the cabin class, destination, and flight duration. The airline has worked with several high profile chefs, including Fumiko Kono. The seats are also quite posh, depending on the aircraft that you travel from, as is the hospitality by the flight staff. Passengers can request for pillows, blankets, noise-cancelling earplugs, toiletries and more. They are all available as part of the in-flight services. Further, the authentic Japanese delicacies can also be found on Japan Airlines as in-flight meals. However, depending on the duration or distance of the journey, only a select few can get hold of it for free.
Popular routes and top cities for Japan Airlines
As the flag carrier of Japan and also one of the most important airlines in the world, the connectivity of Japan Airlines is just as immaculate as its goodwill. The airline nearly serves over 60 destinations in the domestic routes while 39 cities in the international routes. These include destinations spread across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. The international route connectivity of the airline comes naturally and without the help of any codeshare agreement. This alone makes it quite impressive. Over the years, the airline has introduced or at least serviced about ten international routes which also include the route between Tokyo and Xi'an or Osaka and Qingdao.
Although it would take an entire day to name all the top cities of Japan Airlines, here are some, Melbourne, Sydney, Vancouver, Beijing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Helsinki, Guam, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Paris, Delhi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Moscow, Cape Town, Busan, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, London, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, New York City, San Francisco, Seatle and Hanoi, to name a few. While the international route connectivity is fancy but so is the domestic route connectivity of Japan Airlines. Nagoya, Tokyo, Kushiro, Kochi, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokushima, Yamagatam Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Izumo and Nagasaki, are the top cities for Japan Airlines.
The airline shares codeshare agreements with airlines such as Aeroflot, British Airways, LATAM Brasil, SrilankanAirlines, LATAM Chile, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Dragon, Aeromexico, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Vistara, WestJet, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Shanghai Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Bangkok Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, China Airlines, Emirates and more.
Why travel by Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines is one of the most recognised airlines that is present in today's time. It is not just the prominence of the airline but the adage of excellent facilities and services that have earned the airline quite the reputation. With time, the airline has also progressed to make sure that it is ahead of its contemporaries. The airline introduced web check-in facilities that can be availed on their official mobile app too. Booking a Japan Airlines flight is also possible online or from their app. Further, all updates regarding the flight status and flight schedules can all be found on the app. Besides, you can sit in one of their airport lounges and experience the lux while you wait to board the flight.
About Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is situated on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It serves as the main airport to the city of Hong Kong. Hong Kong International Airport is also called Chek Lap Kok International Airport. It is one of the biggest hubs in China with respect to flight connectivity, cargo carriers and more. The airport is the busiest cargo getaway in the world. Not to mention, it is also known to have one of the largest passenger terminal buildings. The airport plays an important role in Hong Kong's economy as it employs over 65,000 staff. It is also the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.
About Airport Terminals
Hong Kong International Airport plays an important role in contributing to Hong Kong city's economy. The airport is capable of accommodating over 100 airlines with flights connecting to more than 180 international cities. Not to mention how it also is the world's busiest airport with respect to cargo traffic. There is a total of 90 boarding gates that the airport has along with 77 jet bridge gates and 12 virtual gates. The gates are used as assembly points for domestic as well as international travellers. Apron buses are available that ferry the passengers to the aircraft.
Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport is sprawled across 6,100,000 sq ft and is recognized worldwide as one of the largest passenger airport terminal. The airport joins Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 and Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3. Initially, the airport's Terminal 1 faced competition with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport with respect to the largest passenger terminal. However, with the expansion of East Hall, Hong Kong International Airport managed to take back its spot on the list. Terminal 1 is blessed with world-class decor and facilities such as check-in counters, airline lounges, departures, arrivals and more. Terminal 1 is capable of accommodating Airbus A380 of airlines Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, China Southern Airlines, Thai Airways, British Airways, Air France and Emirates.
Terminal 2 is sprawled across 1,500,000 sq ft, including the SkyPlaza, is just as exquisite as Terminal 1 with respect to the interiors. Although the terminal has dedicated gates, check-in and other processing facilities for passengers departing do not have gates. Terminal 2 also lacks arrival facilities. Hence, designated underground transportation facilities have been put in place for passengers to reach Terminal 1 too. Much of terminal 2 sees low-cost carriers with check-in options operation also available. SkyPlaza is also situated in Terminal 2. The terminal has been shut for expansion and maintenance purposes. With the excess flight traffic that the third runway witnesses, the authorities body has opted to add departures and arrivals along with immigrations sections too. Terminal 2 is scheduled to reopen in 2024.
About Airport Authority
Hong Kong International Airport is owned and operated by Airport Authority Hong Kong and functions on a 24 hours-basis. The airport is the primary hub for the airlines Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Hong Kong, Cathay Dragon and HK Express. The statutory body falls directly under the government and was formed in 1995. It is an independent body which does not receive any financial assistance from the government. The headquarters of Airport Authority Hong Kong is at the Hong Kong International Airport Tower and employs 2,602 staff. They are currently working towards expansion plans of Terminal 2. The body's aim aside from bringing forth excellent airport experience and financial growth is to bolster its position to be the leading international aviation focal point. Further on their agenda is to excel the management system in terms of operations and development of Hong Kong International Airport.
Top airlines flying from Hong Kong International Airport
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hong Kong International Airport sees tremendous flight traffic. The number of airlines that operate from the airport exceeds 100 and connects with more than 180 cities globally. The airport is also known to be a focus city for Air India. Aside from the operations of Air India, two more Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, operate from Hong Kong International Airport. The airlines connect to the top three cities of India, namely Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
There are many international airlines too that operate from Hong Kong International Airport. Thanks to the demand for Hong Kong as one of the financial and economic hubs of China, the city's airport sees tremendous flight traffic from international cities. Some of the airlines that operate from Hong Kong International Airport include Aeroflot, AirAsia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Seoul, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, Finnair, HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Facilities at Hong Kong International Airport
Airline lounges - There are about 18 exquisite airline lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific alone has a slew of lounges called The Bridge, The Deck, The Pier and The Wing. They are business class and first-class lounges. Along with this, the airport also has dedicated airline lounges by Emirates, United and Qantas. Alliance airlines carrier SkyTeam also has a lounge that is present at the airport premise.
Postal services - One of the big perks of Hong Kong International Airport is the fact that they also have postal services. You can send documents and letters or even couriers from the airport's premise, especially if they are urgent and need to be delivered within Hong Kong too.
Baggage - You can apply for baggage delivery services at the airport. Prior intimation to the airlines for this kind of service would be beneficial. Along with this, there are baggage measuring gauge devices also available at the airport. Not to mention the luggage packing and wrapping facilities. You can also opt for baggage storage and porter services.
Charging facilities - Hong Kong International Airport has charging facilities as well as tables with battery recharge points as well. You can charge all your devices at these hubs.
Nursing stations - There are dedicated nursing stations and rooms at the airport for parents travelling with infants. The rooms have all the necessary amenities as well as baby products. You can also ask for infant and baby strollers at the airport.
Entertainment decks - Several entertainment decks are available at Hong Kong International Airport. They are perfect for kids, youngsters and adults as well. You can find them at various intervals within the terminals.
Medical services - Hong Kong International Airport has also ensured to keep devoted paramedic services as well as pharmacies. There are medical rooms also available at the airport. Not to mention how they also cater to emergency cases.
Special assistance - In case you require special assistance with respect to traversing within the airport. The airport has trained staff who can help with special assistance for senior citizens, pregnant women and disabled passengers.
WiFi and internet - The airport offers free WiFi which can be availed at all points. You can visit the airport's information desk to get more details on the same. There are internet booths and cafes also present at Hong Kong International Airport.
Smoking lounge - As per the Hong Kong law, you are not allowed to smoke in the public space at the Hong Kong International Airport. Hence, they have reserved smoking lounges as well as areas for the same.
How to reach Hong Kong International Airport
Airport Express
Devoted rail transport is prevalent in the city of Hong Kong that connects perfectly to the airport. In case you need to reach the Hong Kong International Airport, you can take the Airport Express. It'll take you just 24 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre. The frequency of the trains is also quite good and ideal for travelling. You can download the MTR Next Train app to get schedules of the train.
Public transport
The airport also offers bus services that are conveniently located close to the airport. On the official website of the airport, you can find the locations of the bus station. The bus is also considered to be a good way to reach Hong Kong International Airport.
Taxicabs and rentals
There are door-to-door services of taxicabs that you can get from the airport. The taxicabs are coloured in three distinct hues that take specific routes within the city of Hong Kong from the airport. Depending on which area you need to travel, you should accordingly go to the lane and take the coloured taxicab. Within the city, there are many options for hailing a taxicab to reach the Hong Kong International Airport. You can also opt for rentals which are available at the airport's arrivals. There are specific counters where you can book your rental services.
About Birmingham
Birmingham is a popular city to visit in the United Kingdom after London. The city is growing at a fast pace and is turning into one of the most happening ones, too. It is also where scenes from Jawbone, The Girl With All The Gifts and Kingsman: The Golden Circle were shot. If you are planning a trip to the UK, make sure you add Birmingham to your itinerary as well. You can explore the neighbourhood on a cycle or on a horse, whichever seems like an adventure to you. The lush green surroundings and the old buildings give it the sort of charm that makes it a great vacation destination. The city also has an eclectic dining scene, and it won't disappoint you one bit. The city is also popular for the waterways that were built in the 1760s during the Industrial Revolution. You will also find a lot of pubs and bars in the city that spruce up the nightlife scenes in Birmingham. Not to mention, the people in the city are lovely and friendly. From recommending places to explore to make sure you have had a great party, people here will make your holiday far special.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham
June to October is considered the best months to visit Birmingham. The city experiences summer during these months, and it is also a peak season for tourists. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 34 degree Celsius. You should book your hotel in Birmingham well in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Birmingham in advance. The best part about visiting Birmingham in summer is that you can attend the music and film festivals that happen in the city during these months. Planning a trip to Birmingham is the best way to spend your summer holidays. Though you might have to bear with the heat, it is completely worth it. You might even end up making friends and meeting a lot of people from around the world since the city sees a spike in the number of tourists in summer. You can also indulge in a lot of outdoor activities in summer as compared to the other months.
September to November is fall season, and while it is not the most popular time to visit Birmingham, it's not the worst either. There are fewer tourists in the city, and the weather is pleasant. It is better as compared to the hot days of summer. Flight tickets to Birmingham are also comparatively lower than the ones in summer. Hotel prices also drop considerably. However, lesser tourists and the weather do not stop you from exploring the city in its glory. All the sightseeing options and outdoor activities are open during this season for you to explore.
December to February is winter in Birmingham, and it is a low season for the city. You will easily get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham in winter. However, a lot of sightseeing spots and outdoor activities might not be accessible during winter. If you are on a budget, this might be a good season for you to visit Birmingham, but it is not a highly recommended one. March to May is the spring season, and the weather is quite pleasant. It is neither too cold nor too hot. All the tourist attractions that were shut in winter open for tourists in spring. It is right before peak season hits Birmingham and you can avoid the crowds and enjoy exploring the city peacefully during spring.
Places to Visit in Birmingham
Birmingham has a lot of tourist attractions, and you must visit the city at the right time to explore it properly. Winterbourne House and Garden is a popular tourist attraction near the University of Birmingham where you can attend art exhibits, craft workshops, live music and even get a glimpse of how theatre works here. The house was built in 1903, and its rustic feel, large gardens and 19th-century printing presses are what attract tourists to it. The Library of Birmingham is Europe's biggest public library. It has a huge collection of books and so many genres that you will want to spend an entire day at the library if you are an avid reader. You can also take guided tours of the library if you want to know more about its inception. You can also visit the Birmingham Museum and Gallery at Chamberlain Square. If you reach at the right time, you might even get to enjoy some refreshing afternoon tea in the Edwardian Tearooms that look stunning.
You can also head to Cannon Hill Park to explore the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre and Mac theatre. The park also hosts Foodies Festival annually that you cannot miss. Thinktank is a science museum and an award-winning one at that. It's a short walk from the Moor Street Station and also showcases a model of the Spitfire plane that was used during World War II. You can also check out the on-site planetarium and take a virtual tour of the universe. A visit to the Cadbury World is mandatory, especially if you love chocolates. Not only do you get a tour of all the action that goes behind preparing your favourite treat, but you can also pack a few to take back home.
Things to do in Birmingham
Whether you love history or architecture or food, Birmingham has a lot in store for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour of the castles and museums. You can also go on a historical tour of the city. Brindleyplace is one of the most happening places in the city. You get a breathtaking view of the canals from in here. You can chill with a bowl of ramen and a cocktail of your choice. The place also hosts events like Birmingham Chilli Festival, Open Air Film Festival and BP Dragonboat Race that you can attend. If you are a book lover, you can just head to the Library of Birmingham. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe, and you can spend an entire day here. Visit the Mac Theatre at Cannon Hill Park. If you are not catching a movie or gulping down a glass of beer, you can sign up for courses in digital media skills, health and wellbeing, visual and performance arts and the list goes on. It also has courses that you can take up with your entire family. Do not miss going to Cadbury World. It is like a paradise for everyone who loves chocolates. Birmingham is a city that celebrates performance arts, music and literature. You will find a lot of events here that showcase the best talents and make sure you sign up for it.
Food and Restaurants in Birmingham
Since the city is known for its food, you will find a lot of restaurants that serve traditional and culturally rich food here but also restaurants that serve other types of cuisine. For a contemporary dining experience, you can head to Purnell's. It has a Victorian-style feel to it from the outside and is quite modern and chic inside. You can also order your favourite cocktails or coffee with your meal. Turners is one of the most popular restaurants that are just outside the city centre, in the village of Harborne. It has been nominated and won several awards. You will also find a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants here like Adams, Carters of Moseley and Simpsons. You will also find a lot of food joints and restaurants that are cheaper and serve delicious food. Peach Garden is another popular restaurant and makes sure you try the 'three rice roast' here or pack some so you can eat in your hotel room. Otto is a pizza joint that is quite popular in the city. If you are craving Indian food, you can head over to The Indian Streatery. They have a separate menu for lunch and a different one during the evenings. You will definitely want to come back here.
How to reach Birmingham (Transportation)
Birmingham International Airport is only about 13 km away from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Birmingham from India is excellent. There are no direct flights to Birmingham, and most flights have a layover of a couple of hours in their base city. Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines are few airlines that frequently fly to Birmingham with layovers at Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul. If you book in advance, you will come across decent flight deals to Birmingham online. You might even get cheap flight tickets to Birmingham. The airport has almost everything that would make things easier for the passengers. There are lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, smoking areas and restrooms at the airport. It is also quite easy to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel. If you haven't pre-booked your airport transfer, you can just get a cab outside the airport itself.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is officially a part of the People's Republic of China. The metropolitan city is located on the South China Sea with the eastern Pearl River Delta flowing within the city. Hong Kong is one of the biggest and influential cities in the world for its stupendous stand in the global finance list. In fact, the city stands at the sixth position in the list of Global Financial Centres Index. Adorned with exquisite skyscrapers and lush lifestyle, the prosperous city is also a hub for tourism.
Various tourists flock over from different parts of the world to indulge in the fancy lifestyle of the city. Hong Kong was once part of the British Empire as a colony. However, after breaking away from its colonial rule, the city managed to flourish and has now become one of the top international cities. Many important flights are connected with Hong Kong. Travelling to Hong Kong via air is quite convenient as the city is well-connected with some of the major international cities.
Tourism in Hong Kong is exuberant, and you need to carry enough notes to ensure that you can afford the luxe lifestyle. Also, it would be beneficial to book flight tickets and accommodations to Hong Kong in advance. With the city's expensive taste, the prices of tickets and hotels continue to fluctuate.
Best time to visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong enjoys agreeable weather, especially during the months of October and December. As a city located on the coasts of the South China Sea, every weather is met with some humidity in the air, making tourism a little tedious. During these months, the temperatures would range between 20 to 27 degree Celsius, which is quite favourable, especially if you're coming from a hotter country. It would be ideal for you to stay away from Chinese national holidays or even large conventions as the hotel prices would see a tremendous surge. The long and hot summers of Hong Kong will be quite tough to deal with and hence, should be avoided at all cost. Meanwhile, the onset of winter with summer waning would be a nice and pleasant time to visit the smart city. The daytime temperatures would also be pleasant to step out and explore the city. Avoid the first week of October though as many Chinese travellers would flock over to Hong Kong for National Day. If you manage to get your plans fixed around the dates for Hong Kong WinterFest, that would be some experience. The city would be bustling with festivities, and the temperatures would also be bearable.
The peak season for Hong Kong is winter, which can be experienced from January to March. This period is also the time when the city, much like the rest of China, celebrates New Year's, Chinese New Year and such festivals. As it is the holiday season for the Chinese, travellers often take this time to head to the coastal city of Hong Kong and make the most of their time there. The two New Year celebrations also pave the way to a spike in the hotel charges. Booking a hotel room in Hong Kong during the months of December and January would be quite expensive. Even flight tickets to Hong Kong would come at an exorbitant cost. Hence, to opt for a cheap travel deal to Hong Kong, the season and month you choose is important.
Places to visit in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's plethora of places will amaze the tourist in you. The city truly matches the expectations of a traveller when it comes to entertaining them thoroughly with fascinating attractions. From the Symphony of the Stars light show that you can witness at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to Disneyland, Hong Kong has places that cater to the entertainment and happiness of everyone. The city is vibrant with hues of shimmering skyscrapers, sparkling waters of the South China Sea and the fervour of tourists from around the world. No matter what you expect from Hong Kong, they will have what you need and do you even better. One of the first things to do when you visit Hong Kong should be to take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. The stretch is scenic and certainly the kind to attract your attention. Victoria Peak is the second famous attraction that you should check out in Hong Kong. Located at the highest point on Hong Kong Island, the peak towers over the prodigious city with views of blue waters passing through the city, with its hues reflecting on the skyscrapers.
If the peak is too much for you to traverse then don't worry, Hong Kong's got you covered. You can visit the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade located at the Victoria Harbour. The promenade gives a wholesome view of the entire Hong Kong Island without any obstruction. The Nan Lian Garden is a lovely place to unwind and relax after a long day of indulging in touristy activities. For some historical relevance on your trip, you should visit Lantau Island. The popular island has preserved historical sites, sunny beaches and amusement parks for tourists. It would certainly keep you busy the whole day. Of course, missing Hong Kong Disneyland would be a shame. A trip to the magical kingdom would surely uplift your spirits.
Things to do in Hong Kong
Giving Disneyland a fierce competition is Hong Kong's Ocean Park. From roller coasters and carnival rides to accommodating an entire zoo, the Ocean Park certainly manages to have it all. If you feel like opting for a legal gambling session, you can go to Happy Valley Racecourse and bet on one of the horses. What would make the day even better would be to dress up in classy ensembles too. The street markets need no introduction as they are basically the one hub where tourists cannot resist from visiting. The marketplace is a bustling space in the city as frenzied tourists flock over to indulge in some street shopping. From Hong Kong, you can actually take a boat ride and skip over to Macau, to continue your wanderlusting.
Food and Restaurants in Hong Kong
Raking up the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Hong Kong easily becomes a paradisiacal excursion for a food lover. The city is touted to entertain some of the best fine dining establishments as well as boast a flourishing street food culture. The Hong Kong food culture stands next to big cities of the world, such as New York, Paris, and Tokyo, when it comes to thriving food culture. While the city's cuisine is heavily clouted by popular Chinese cuisine, the city also has influences of western food cuisines. Various fusion kitchens and teahouses have cropped up and serve the traditional Chinese barbeque, congee, stir-fries mixed with soy-sauce Western. Barbecued meat is a big seller in Hong Kong which caters to both kinds of audience, the ones who relish ritzy ambience and the ones who find street food comforting. For the traditional Hong Kong dishes such as steamed fish, head to dai pai dong-style stalls (street stalls) where they serve fish with stir-fries. Some of the other dishes that should be on your list of must-haves are put chai ko (rice pudding), egg tarts, pineapple buns, to name a few.
You can also get a similar or maybe even more elevated experience at Temple Street, again an open-air street food stalls and carts. Maxim's MX, Fairwood and Café de Coral are recognised food court chains in Hong Kong. For a luxury setting, head to Mandarin Grill + Bar, Tosca di Angelo, The Oyster House, to name a few places. The meat prepared by the kitchens across Hong Kong are succulent and marinated to perfection. All the dishes will leave a lasting impact on you.
How to reach Hong Kong (Transportation)
Hong Kong airport sees tremendous action as it is one of the busiest airports in the world. Even from India, there is a high demand for flights to Hong Kong. Many opt for the city as an ideal vacation destination. Flight connectivity to Hong Kong from India is excellent. There are many flights that fly to Hong Kong from India. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air India have direct flights to Hong Kong from India. Metro cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, have direct flights flying to Hong Kong. Various flights with layovers in Indian cities take international routes to fly to Hong Kong, resulting in excellent connectivity. The Hong Kong airport also has great domestic route connectivity as it runs bullet trains from the airport to other parts of the city.
Flight tickets to Hong Kong from India are not very expensive, especially if you book it beforehand. Also, if you get lucky, you might even be able to get some sweet online flight deals to Hong Kong along with hotel accommodations. Hong Kong is not very far from India and takes approximately five hours to reach from the capital. From other parts of the country, depending on the flight connectivity, the ticket prices and duration would vary.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines Co. Ltd. (JAL), more popularly known as Japan Airlines, is an international airline which is the flag carrier of Japan. Its headquarters are located in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The airline has its main hubs in Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Tokyo International Airport, and Osaka's Kansai International Airport as well as Osaka International Airport. The JAL group of companies comprise not just Japan Airlines, but also J-Air which is a regional commuter airline, Japan Air Commuter which is a feeder service for Japan Airlines, Japan Transocean Air which is the domestic counterpart for Japan Airlines, and Ryukyu Air Commuter which is a domestic airline offering passenger services from Okinawa. JAL was established on 1st August 1951 after the Government of Japan recognized the need for a reliable air transportation service in the aftermath of the Second World War. The initial capital was ¥100 million. The company went on to become Japan's national airlines in 1953. In February 1954, Japan Airlines began its international flights. By 1965, half of JAL's revenue was from transpacific routes to the USA, and the company was meanwhile lobbying the USA for fifth freedom rights to fly transatlantic routes from the East Coast.
In 1987, JAL was fully privatized after which it started competing with All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System. This increase in competition resulted in changes in the corporate structure of Japan Airlines. It reorganized itself into three divisions, namely international passenger service, domestic passenger service, and cargo. The Japan Air Charter was established in 1990, which was a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines for operating flights from Japan to resort destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. However, this subsidiary ceased operations in 2010. An agreement with the Walt Disney Company made Japan Airlines the official airlines of Tokyo Disneyland in 1996.
In 1992, however, the airline started incurring losses due to recessions in the USA and UK, as well as due to domestic economic trouble. However, the airline was able to cut costs by effectively utilizing their low-cost domestic subsidiary JAL Express and JALways, which was the successor to Japan Air Charter. The airline resumed profitability in 1999. In 2002, the company merged with Japan Air System and went on to become the sixth-largest airline in the world by the number of passengers carried. In 2004, Japan Air System changed its name to Japan Airlines Domestic, and its flight codes were changed to those of JAL's. While Japan Airlines Domestic handled JAL's domestic flights and Japan Airlines International operated both international and trunk domestic route flights, both airlines merged under a single brand -- Japan Airlines International -- on 1st October 2006. In 2008, Japan Airlines merged the operations of its subsidiary Japan Asia Airways which had up till then been operating separately for flights between Japan and Taiwan. In 2007, Japan Airlines joined the airline alliance Oneworld for which it had applied in 2005. The company claimed that this membership would serve the best interest of the airline and its customers.
After suffering grave financial losses in 2009, Japan Airlines sought protection under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law. The company received a ¥300 billion cash injection and had debts worth ¥730 billion waived, but in return had to cut its capital to zero, cut unprofitable routes, and reduce its workforce by a sizable one-third. In February 2010, JAL's shares were delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange which was until then considered the 'bluest of blue chips'. The leader of the task force for aiding a corporate turnaround for JAL, formed by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, believed that a new CEO would help fix JAL's problems. The President of Japan Air Commuter, Masaru Onishi, was then promoted to President of JAL. In March 2011, JAL emerged from bankruptcy, and in 2012 it announced its intent to relist its shares in the Tokyo Stock Exchange in an IPO of up to ¥1 trillion. Post bankruptcy, JAL has established several new partnerships with the Oneworld alliance and other joint ventures, including the formation of Jetstar Japan with Qantas Airways.
Fleet size of Japan Airlines
As of July 2020, Japan Airlines operates a fleet of 176 aircraft. The fleet currently consists of Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 767-300, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8, and Boeing 787-9. It intends to add to its fleet more wide-body aircraft. The fleet of Japan Airlines has a mixture of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The airline provides economy class service on all routes. Business-class service with larger seats are offered on most major domestic routes and also on most international routes. Premium economy is offered only on some international routes. The JAL Cargo, once a dedicated freighter aircraft, operated both propeller and jet aircraft, most recently the Boeing 747-400s and the Boeing 767-300Fs. Currently, cargo services operate from the lower deck holds of JAL's passenger aircraft.
Baggage Allowance
The free baggage allowed for those in the Economy and Premium Economy Class is a maximum of two pieces of 23 kgs (50 lbs) each. For those in Business and First Class, this allowance is increased to three pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each. For passengers who have a JAL Global Club Membership, this allowance is further increased to three pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each for Economy and Premium Economy Class, and four pieces of 32 kgs (70 lbs) each for Business and First Class. The maximum external dimensions of the checked baggage should not exceed 203 cms, including the wheels and handles. Additional charges will be applied if the number of pieces, weight, or dimensions exceeds that which is allowed. The additional charges would depend upon the route being travelled. The airline also offers the option of paying these charges via JMB miles, their mileage program.
In-flight services
Japan Airlines offers excellent in-flight services to its passengers. Its in-flight entertainment system called MAGIC provides Audio/Video on Demand (AVOD) and is installed on all seats on Boeing 767-300ER, 777-200ER, and 777-300ER aircraft. The airline has its in-flight magazine, Skyward, provided by JALUX. Western and Japanese cuisine meals are offered on intercontinental routes, depending upon the cabin class, destination, and flight duration. The airline has worked with several high profile chefs, including Fumiko Kono. The seats are also quite posh, depending on the aircraft that you travel from, as is the hospitality by the flight staff. Passengers can request for pillows, blankets, noise-cancelling earplugs, toiletries and more. They are all available as part of the in-flight services. Further, the authentic Japanese delicacies can also be found on Japan Airlines as in-flight meals. However, depending on the duration or distance of the journey, only a select few can get hold of it for free.
Popular routes and top cities for Japan Airlines
As the flag carrier of Japan and also one of the most important airlines in the world, the connectivity of Japan Airlines is just as immaculate as its goodwill. The airline nearly serves over 60 destinations in the domestic routes while 39 cities in the international routes. These include destinations spread across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. The international route connectivity of the airline comes naturally and without the help of any codeshare agreement. This alone makes it quite impressive. Over the years, the airline has introduced or at least serviced about ten international routes which also include the route between Tokyo and Xi'an or Osaka and Qingdao.
Although it would take an entire day to name all the top cities of Japan Airlines, here are some, Melbourne, Sydney, Vancouver, Beijing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Helsinki, Guam, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Paris, Delhi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Moscow, Cape Town, Busan, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, London, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, New York City, San Francisco, Seatle and Hanoi, to name a few. While the international route connectivity is fancy but so is the domestic route connectivity of Japan Airlines. Nagoya, Tokyo, Kushiro, Kochi, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokushima, Yamagatam Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Izumo and Nagasaki, are the top cities for Japan Airlines.
The airline shares codeshare agreements with airlines such as Aeroflot, British Airways, LATAM Brasil, SrilankanAirlines, LATAM Chile, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Dragon, Aeromexico, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Vistara, WestJet, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Shanghai Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Bangkok Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, China Airlines, Emirates and more.
Why travel by Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines is one of the most recognised airlines that is present in today's time. It is not just the prominence of the airline but the adage of excellent facilities and services that have earned the airline quite the reputation. With time, the airline has also progressed to make sure that it is ahead of its contemporaries. The airline introduced web check-in facilities that can be availed on their official mobile app too. Booking a Japan Airlines flight is also possible online or from their app. Further, all updates regarding the flight status and flight schedules can all be found on the app. Besides, you can sit in one of their airport lounges and experience the lux while you wait to board the flight.
About Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is situated on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It serves as the main airport to the city of Hong Kong. Hong Kong International Airport is also called Chek Lap Kok International Airport. It is one of the biggest hubs in China with respect to flight connectivity, cargo carriers and more. The airport is the busiest cargo getaway in the world. Not to mention, it is also known to have one of the largest passenger terminal buildings. The airport plays an important role in Hong Kong's economy as it employs over 65,000 staff. It is also the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.
About Airport Terminals
Hong Kong International Airport plays an important role in contributing to Hong Kong city's economy. The airport is capable of accommodating over 100 airlines with flights connecting to more than 180 international cities. Not to mention how it also is the world's busiest airport with respect to cargo traffic. There is a total of 90 boarding gates that the airport has along with 77 jet bridge gates and 12 virtual gates. The gates are used as assembly points for domestic as well as international travellers. Apron buses are available that ferry the passengers to the aircraft.
Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport is sprawled across 6,100,000 sq ft and is recognized worldwide as one of the largest passenger airport terminal. The airport joins Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 and Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3. Initially, the airport's Terminal 1 faced competition with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport with respect to the largest passenger terminal. However, with the expansion of East Hall, Hong Kong International Airport managed to take back its spot on the list. Terminal 1 is blessed with world-class decor and facilities such as check-in counters, airline lounges, departures, arrivals and more. Terminal 1 is capable of accommodating Airbus A380 of airlines Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, China Southern Airlines, Thai Airways, British Airways, Air France and Emirates.
Terminal 2 is sprawled across 1,500,000 sq ft, including the SkyPlaza, is just as exquisite as Terminal 1 with respect to the interiors. Although the terminal has dedicated gates, check-in and other processing facilities for passengers departing do not have gates. Terminal 2 also lacks arrival facilities. Hence, designated underground transportation facilities have been put in place for passengers to reach Terminal 1 too. Much of terminal 2 sees low-cost carriers with check-in options operation also available. SkyPlaza is also situated in Terminal 2. The terminal has been shut for expansion and maintenance purposes. With the excess flight traffic that the third runway witnesses, the authorities body has opted to add departures and arrivals along with immigrations sections too. Terminal 2 is scheduled to reopen in 2024.
About Airport Authority
Hong Kong International Airport is owned and operated by Airport Authority Hong Kong and functions on a 24 hours-basis. The airport is the primary hub for the airlines Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Hong Kong, Cathay Dragon and HK Express. The statutory body falls directly under the government and was formed in 1995. It is an independent body which does not receive any financial assistance from the government. The headquarters of Airport Authority Hong Kong is at the Hong Kong International Airport Tower and employs 2,602 staff. They are currently working towards expansion plans of Terminal 2. The body's aim aside from bringing forth excellent airport experience and financial growth is to bolster its position to be the leading international aviation focal point. Further on their agenda is to excel the management system in terms of operations and development of Hong Kong International Airport.
Top airlines flying from Hong Kong International Airport
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hong Kong International Airport sees tremendous flight traffic. The number of airlines that operate from the airport exceeds 100 and connects with more than 180 cities globally. The airport is also known to be a focus city for Air India. Aside from the operations of Air India, two more Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, operate from Hong Kong International Airport. The airlines connect to the top three cities of India, namely Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
There are many international airlines too that operate from Hong Kong International Airport. Thanks to the demand for Hong Kong as one of the financial and economic hubs of China, the city's airport sees tremendous flight traffic from international cities. Some of the airlines that operate from Hong Kong International Airport include Aeroflot, AirAsia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Seoul, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, Finnair, HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Facilities at Hong Kong International Airport
Airline lounges - There are about 18 exquisite airline lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific alone has a slew of lounges called The Bridge, The Deck, The Pier and The Wing. They are business class and first-class lounges. Along with this, the airport also has dedicated airline lounges by Emirates, United and Qantas. Alliance airlines carrier SkyTeam also has a lounge that is present at the airport premise.
Postal services - One of the big perks of Hong Kong International Airport is the fact that they also have postal services. You can send documents and letters or even couriers from the airport's premise, especially if they are urgent and need to be delivered within Hong Kong too.
Baggage - You can apply for baggage delivery services at the airport. Prior intimation to the airlines for this kind of service would be beneficial. Along with this, there are baggage measuring gauge devices also available at the airport. Not to mention the luggage packing and wrapping facilities. You can also opt for baggage storage and porter services.
Charging facilities - Hong Kong International Airport has charging facilities as well as tables with battery recharge points as well. You can charge all your devices at these hubs.
Nursing stations - There are dedicated nursing stations and rooms at the airport for parents travelling with infants. The rooms have all the necessary amenities as well as baby products. You can also ask for infant and baby strollers at the airport.
Entertainment decks - Several entertainment decks are available at Hong Kong International Airport. They are perfect for kids, youngsters and adults as well. You can find them at various intervals within the terminals.
Medical services - Hong Kong International Airport has also ensured to keep devoted paramedic services as well as pharmacies. There are medical rooms also available at the airport. Not to mention how they also cater to emergency cases.
Special assistance - In case you require special assistance with respect to traversing within the airport. The airport has trained staff who can help with special assistance for senior citizens, pregnant women and disabled passengers.
WiFi and internet - The airport offers free WiFi which can be availed at all points. You can visit the airport's information desk to get more details on the same. There are internet booths and cafes also present at Hong Kong International Airport.
Smoking lounge - As per the Hong Kong law, you are not allowed to smoke in the public space at the Hong Kong International Airport. Hence, they have reserved smoking lounges as well as areas for the same.
How to reach Hong Kong International Airport
Airport Express
Devoted rail transport is prevalent in the city of Hong Kong that connects perfectly to the airport. In case you need to reach the Hong Kong International Airport, you can take the Airport Express. It'll take you just 24 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre. The frequency of the trains is also quite good and ideal for travelling. You can download the MTR Next Train app to get schedules of the train.
Public transport
The airport also offers bus services that are conveniently located close to the airport. On the official website of the airport, you can find the locations of the bus station. The bus is also considered to be a good way to reach Hong Kong International Airport.
Taxicabs and rentals
There are door-to-door services of taxicabs that you can get from the airport. The taxicabs are coloured in three distinct hues that take specific routes within the city of Hong Kong from the airport. Depending on which area you need to travel, you should accordingly go to the lane and take the coloured taxicab. Within the city, there are many options for hailing a taxicab to reach the Hong Kong International Airport. You can also opt for rentals which are available at the airport's arrivals. There are specific counters where you can book your rental services.
