Greater Bay Airlines Seeks To Serve U.S. Territories

greater bay airlines 737-800
Credit: Joe Pries Aviation

Greater Bay Airlines has filed for a foreign air carrier permit and exemption with the U.S. Transportation Department, signaling its intention to begin passenger service between Hong Kong and U.S. territories starting this winter.

The Hong Kong-based carrier has requested authority to operate scheduled and charter flights of passengers, property and mail between Hong Kong and the U.S., including beyond points, in line with the U.S.–Hong Kong air services agreement.

Greater Bay Airlines intends to launch its first U.S. route with 2X-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands—a U.S. commonwealth—beginning during the winter 2025-26 season. Flights will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The carrier also revealed plans to begin service to Guam in 2026 once deliveries of its Boeing 737-9 aircraft on order commence.

The new services would mark Greater Bay Airlines’ first foray into the U.S. market. Founded in 2020, the airline currently operates 13 international routes across Asia, including Bangkok, Manila, Osaka Kansai, Sendai, Seoul Incheon, Taipei, Tokyo Narita and Yichang. Its fleet comprises eight 737-800s, with 15 737-9s on order to support its growth strategy.

The airline emphasized that its application is consistent with the terms of the U.S.–Hong Kong bilateral agreement and said that the launch of flights to U.S. territories would expand travel options for passengers in both markets, as well as enhance connectivity and competition.

According to data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser, both the Saipan and Guam markets are unserved nonstop from Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong Airlines is scheduled to resume Saipan flights in August using Airbus A320 aircraft.

David Casey

David Casey is Editor in Chief of Routes, the global route development community's trusted source for news and information.

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