HK Express Launched Shizuoka Route on 17 December

First Direct Flight to Shizuoka: “Gotta Go” explore 10+ Destinations in Japan



Hong Kong, 17 December 2024

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Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, Chapman Fong, Deputy Director, Corporate Development, Airport Authority Hong Kong, NISHIUMI Shigehiro, Deputy Consul-General of Japan, The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, NEGISHI Shintaro, Consul, Economic Division, Consulate-General of Japan, The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, Eigo ONUMA, Japan National Tourism Organization Hong Kong , Executive Director, Ishikawa Yusuke, Shizuoka Shanghai Office Director, in a group photo with Maruko-chan and the HK Express management team at the Hong Kong International Airport.

HK Express Airways (HK Express) is excited to announce the launch of Hong Kong's very first direct service to Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ) in Japan! This marks our 10th destination in Japan, solidifying our unique advantage as the Hong Kong airline with the highest number of Japanese destinations. Travellers can now “Live More” and explore the diverse beauty of Japan!

“As Hong Kong's only low-cost carrier, HK Express is dedicated to providing affordable fares so that adventurous travellers can ‘Gotta Go’ to wherever their hearts desire,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao. “Japan has always been a key market for us, and with the upcoming launch of Sendai next month, we will have a total of 11 destinations in Japan, further solidifying our status as the Hong Kong-based airline with the most Japanese destinations and nearly 170 round trip flights per week. Travellers who love Japanese culture can freely hop between our various destinations, embodying the spirit of ‘Live More’.”

“With the central government’s recent visa waiver policy for Japanese travellers, which allows a 30-day stay, we expect to see an influx of Japanese tourists visiting mainland China. With our numerous Japanese destinations, we anticipate a surge in the number of Japanese travellers opting to fly with us to Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area, and then onwards to over 20 destinations in mainland China with HK Express and Cathay Pacific, allowing them to fully explore the wonders of China,” Jeanette further added.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, HK Express invited Shizuoka’s beloved character, Chibi Maruko-chan, to surprise our passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport and onboard! Our management team also distributed limited-edition souvenirs featuring Maruko-chan. Maruko’s friends, Tama-chan and Hanawa-kun, are making a special appearance at Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport to welcome the inaugural passengers and participate in a grand welcoming ceremony hosted by the prefectural government, celebrating the much-anticipated launch of this route.

Nestled in central Honshu, Shizuoka is a fantastic destination known for its stunning landscapes and cultural charm. Travellers can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The city is home to the famous cartoon character Chibi Maruko-chan, with attractions like “Chibimarukochan Land” appealing to visitors of all ages. Shizuoka is also renowned for its green tea; the freshly brewed tea at the tea plantations is not to be missed. Local attractions, including the Shizuoka City Museum of Art and Sunpu Castle Park, showcase the area’s rich culture. An unforgettable culinary experience awaits food lovers with its local fresh seafood and various street food delights.

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NISHIUMI Shigehiro, Deputy Consul-General of Japan, The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, NEGISHI Shintaro, Consul, Economic Division, Consulate-General of Japan, The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, Eigo ONUMA, Japan National Tourism Organization Hong Kong , Executive Director, Ishikawa Yusuke, Shizuoka Shanghai Office Director, the HK Express leadership team, Maruko-chan and crew members took photos with passengers and distributed limited-edition souvenirs at the Hong Kong International Airport to celebrate the inaugural flight of the Shizuoka route.

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Maruko-chan and crew members took photos with passengers on the Shizuoka inaugural flight

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