No-frills flights to far east

Passengers flying to the far east will soon be able to take advantage of £75 fares to Hong Kong.

New carrier Oasis Hong Kong Airlines announced this week its plans to begin operating as many as five weekly flights from London Gatwick to Hong Kong from October, with tickets starting at £75 one way, plus tax.

The Boeing 747-400 flights will offer 278 economy seats as well as 81 luxury business class seats.

Passengers will have the opportunity to make advance seat reservations, along the chance to upgrade basic tickets with extras such as lounge passes and gourmet menus.

Oasis Hong Kong's chief executive, Steve Miller, said: "We are pleased to announce the first ever low-fare, high-quality long-haul flights from London to the far east and we look forward to launching flights to more destinations in the future."

This will place the airline in direct competition with major carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific and British Airways, whose current lowest return fare to Hong Kong stands at £389.

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