✈️ Hong Kong Airlines Enters Sydney-Hong Kong Route, Offering More Choices for Travelers

✈️ Hong Kong Airlines Enters Sydney-Hong Kong Route, Offering More Choices for Travelers

Travelers, rejoice — the Sydney to Hong Kong route just got way more interesting.

Starting June 20, 2025, Hong Kong Airlines is jumping into the ring, going head-to-head with Qantas and Cathay Pacific on one of the busiest and most premium-heavy flight paths in the region.

This is big. Why? Because more competition means better pricing, more choice, and for savvy flyers (like you), more opportunities to hack your way into business class for less.

🛫 Flight Details

  • HX17 departs Hong Kong at 10:25 PM, landing in Sydney at 9:50 AM the next day.

  • HX18 leaves Sydney at 11:30 AM, touching down in Hong Kong at 7:15 PM.

They’re running this route daily, which brings total flights between SYD-HKG to six per day — a seat capacity boost of nearly 20%.

🛬 What’s the Experience Like?

Hong Kong Airlines is flying its Airbus A330, with:

  • 32 lie-flat business class seats (a bit dated, but still flat beds)

  • 260 economy seats (if you must…)

Sure, it’s not the flashiest cabin in the sky — no fancy doors, no wireless charging, and yes, the IFE screens could use a glow-up. But if you’re flying overnight and you value sleep more than champagne, this is a smart play — especially at the launch pricing.

Speaking of…

💰 Business Class Fares (Round Trip in Early October):

  • Hong Kong Airlines – from A$5,800

  • Cathay Pacific – from A$6,000

  • Qantas – from A$7,600

That’s a big chunk of change saved for what’s still a solid business class ride.

🧑✈️ Lounge Access + Velocity Points

Business class flyers get access to:

  • Club Autus Lounge in Hong Kong (HKG)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge in Sydney (SYD)

Better yet, Hong Kong Airlines is a Velocity partner, which means:

  • You earn Velocity Points & Status Credits on these flights (up to 9,170 points + 110 SCs one-way)

  • Velocity Gold & Platinum get extra baggage + priority boarding

  • Lounge access, however, isn’t included for Velocity status holders (just biz class)

Still, it’s a tidy earn for your next reward booking.

💥 Want to Stop Flying in Economy?

We’re all about helping you ditch the back of the plane without blowing your budget. Check out our playbook for flying business class for less than economy.

👉 Click here to unlock the hacks

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